Search Results for "agencies"
The cutting edge: Transit agencies begin planning 40% service reductions
What’s going on? Politicians, agencies, experts, and advocates weigh in on the transit funding cliffhanger
Private sector entities: Got a bright idea to solve the CTA’s problems? Submit it to the agency’s new Innovation Studio
The transit agency wants to "test solutions for improved system safety, asset management and real-time information at bus stops."
Chicken soup for the CTA rider’s soul: While the transit agency is standing on the verge of a budget crisis, positive vibes at town hall
At board meeting: CTA is piloting digital bus stop signs at 20 stops, and are unarmed security guards effective?
Transit agency to pilot new pole-mounted digital bus stop signs
Introducing “Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA.” In part one of our series, editors from other cities and our transit agency weigh in.
Self-described “annoying” transit union leader Eric Basir discusses changes he wants made to CTA labor policies, and the agency responds
Yes, despite the upcoming RTA/NITA switch and transit agency board remix, Johnson can still choose Leerhsen for permanent CTA chief
Lovefest at today’s RTA board meeting, as directors nix 2026 fare hikes, agency prepares to ride off into sunset to make way for NITA
Transit is the Answer Coalition discusses: Should we consolidate the 4 agencies, or beef up the RTA?
"The reforms that we are here to discuss today are part of [a] larger conversation," Executive Director Leanne Redden said. "And much of that work centers around developing a stronger RTA."
RTA chief says the agency should get more authority over fares, service quality, and capital investment for Chicagoland transit
Executive Director Leanne Redden's comments were made during a recent Transit Is the Answer Coalition discussion of strategies to avoid the fiscal cliff.
Transit planning guru Jarrett Walker discusses CTA and Pace challenges, and the agency consolidation question
Walker, a consultant with the two systems, talks about how to improve service. He won't "disagree with their managements in public," but says he's genuinely against the proposed merger.
CTA blues: Musician and ex-bus driver Toronzo Cannon, shares his views on the agency’s labor challenges
Like many CTA workers, difficulties in the early days of COVID influenced Cannon's decision to retire. He says the transit unions need to do more to support their members.
How the bill to consolidate the 4 Chicagoland transit agencies would improve land use policy
CTAction on recent transit agency claims of pre-COVID-style frequency: “Bus staffing is going well, but ‘L’ staffing and service are still subpar”
The grassroots transit advocacy group also weighed in on the CTA's departure from Twitter. CTAction's response may surprise you.
A better way to run a railroad: The transit reform opportunity
A combination of governance and operational reforms could deliver the transit system riders deserve
CTA board responded to FTA ultimatum, bid farewell to Michelle Lee, heard more Grand-standing from protected bike lane NIMBYs
State legislators pushing to merge CTA, Pace, and Metra into one agency spoke at Transit Town Hall
State Sen. Ram Villivalam, (D-8th) and state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-3rd), as well as Graciela Guzmán, a Democratic senate nominee, addressed the crowd of transit advocates.
How can we avoid fiscal derailment? Transit agencies, chambers of commerce take opposite sides on the consolidation debate
RTA, CTA, Metra, and Pace chiefs said they need more funding but are opposed to unification. The chamber leaders said the agencies shouldn't get one without the other.
CTA: “9% increase in Blue, Yellow service started on 4/20.” Commuters Take Action: “That’s a pipe dream.”
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority is a good idea
A solid compromise on a challenging problem.
At RTA board meeting, Executive Director Redden discussed lessons from Asia, the move to NITA, and improving bike-ped access to transit
A plan for faster buses
We can speed up the bus at (almost) no cost
We haven’t saved transit yet: What comes after the fiscal cliff
CTA board approves budget, lauds new transit bill. Car activist Roger Romanelli makes a disingenuous Grand Avenue bus lane proposal.
No way to run a railroad: Governance is holding back transit in Chicagoland
When everyone is accountable, nobody is.
CTA let public weigh in on RPM under the ‘L’ plans for Edgewater and Uptown
The transit agency held public meetings in Uptown and Edgewater, showcasing plans for natural areas, workout spots, plazas, and a skate park.
Sen. Ram Villalam on transit funding, and the recent research trip to Germany: “It really showcased how integrated public transit is possible.”
Today’s Headlines for Tuesday, September 9
RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard pitches ambitious ‘Transforming Transit’ initiative to Chicago stakeholders
The latest episode in the Chicagoland transit fiscal cliff saga: A new hope
State Sen. Ram Villavalam and a coalition of labor unions are backing the "United We Move" bill that would empower the RTA without merging the four transit agencies.
Partying like it’s 2025: CTAction’s Dorval Carter retirement celebration heralds a new era for Chicago transit
CTA board reflects on the highs and lows of 2024, goals for 2025, at final meeting of the year
It’s the final countdown: A new transit bill materialized this morning
Scheduling like it’s 2019? The CTA’s announcement that it’s returning to pre-COVID rail service levels is generating some controversy
Some local transit advocates are worried that the agency may be over-promising how much service it can deliver.
The CTA has a four-pronged plan for rebuilding ridership
Chief Innovation Officer Molly Poppe said the agency intends to grow off-peak ridership; expand existing service; improve customer service; and increase advertising.
The first cut is the deepest: RTA warns some transit impacts may be unavoidable, even if the state comes through with a bailout
"This is an outcome that was preventable, but we stand ready to do the work and respond to what's coming down the path," said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden.
Today’s Headlines for Thursday, March 20
At today’s RTA board meeting, the directors voted to fund 2025 Paratransit shortfall, but attendees protested changes to RAP and TAP
Pace’s Taxi Access Program and Rideshare Access Program will see fare increases and be capped at 30 rides per month.
One agency to rule them all: Advocates are cautiously optimistic about proposed bill to combine the 4 Chicago area transit bureaus
The Active Transportation Alliance, Commuters Take Action, and Equiticity weigh in on the proposed legislation.
At State Senate committee meeting on MMA, transit advocates voiced support, but collar counties opposed simple-majority voting proposal
Representatives of Kane and McHenry counties argued that if MMA board decisions didn't require a supermajority vote, their districts would be disempowered.
“It Was Magnificent”: Illinois legislators take a learning tour of Berlin and Munich transit systems
High Speed Rail Alliance: Illinois transit overhaul could be a game-changer
A major development in Illinois could ripple far beyond the Midwest – reshaping how America thinks about high-speed and intercity rail.
Chicago DSA and Chicago Transit Justice Coalition sounded off on the fiscal cliff and job conditions at CTA Worker and Rider Town Hall
Elevated Chicago’s Juan Sebastian Arias discusses how his ETOD coalition is advocating for averting the transit fiscal cliff
Kam Buckner: South Shore and MED runs stop at the same stations, so why don’t we let South Shore trains pick up MED riders?
Hopefully Buckner and other cool heads at the railroads and local transportation agencies will prevail to find a solution.
“Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” At the CTA board meeting, discussion of a new program to exorcise ghost buses
CTA staff also gave updates on the Frequent Network program to to shorten bus waits; rail ridership; and the lease for the Chicago Market co-op at Wilson Station.
At public meeting on the CTA’s proposed 2025 budget, residents voice concerns about security and reliability
Commenters also discussed agency consolidation, bus bunching, the CTA chatbot, and fleet electrification.
Approved 2025 CTA budget shifts $3.3 million from security funds to develop public safety pilot programs
Plus transit board members pushed President Dorval Carter on more accountability for current security, and the CTA announced a redesign of the Clark/Lake station.
A stroke of good fortune: RTA asks CDOT to include bus lanes in the Bally’s Casino viaduct reconstruction
The Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the three local transit agencies, is using a little muscle to persuade CDOT to include better bus accommodations.
Ald. Vasquez, CTAction, and ATA’s Amy Rynell weigh in on the long-demanded departure of Dorval Carter
Comfort for Carter? On the eve of a Commuters Take Action protest calling for Dorval’s firing, CTA announces a couple of positive news items
State Sen. Ram Villivalam: Here’s how we can stop Chicagoland transit from falling off the fiscal cliff
While some might argue it's risky for the senator and his colleagues to hold out for a full $1.5B to upgrade the system, he says that failure to do so would be a missed opportunity.
Blurred lines: At three meetings this week at downtown terminals, Metra asks riders for input on renaming commuter rail routes
CTA board approves expansion of contract for gun-detecting security cams, amends contract for universal one-day transit pass
At CTA board meeting, an update on bus lane cams, and commiseration over Trump’s blockade of RLE grant: “This is not normal.”
At Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee hearing, CDOT reports that bike infra construction, encouragement is shifting into high gear
Bike and pedestrian program czar Dave Smith discussed the agency’s strategy for improving bikeways and encouraging more people to ride.
The RTA’s new Transit-Friendly Communities Guide offers encouragement for building equitable TOD in the ‘burbs
CTA, Metra, and Pace ridership have been recovering this year, but still have a long way to go to reach pre-COVID-19 levels.
The Regional Transportation Authority recently discussed the bright sides of the local bus and train picture. But looming in the background is the $730 million Chicagoland transit fiscal cliff.
Today’s Headlines for Monday, November 4
A trio of Red Line Extension hearings are allowing the public to “Meet the Contractor”
Today’s Headlines for Wednesday, August 6
Transit advocates weigh in on the CTA’s Refresh & Renew program
Advocates say the program to occasionally deep-clean 'L' stations is nice, but it would be great if the agency put more effort into keeping train stops sanitary all the time.
Today’s Headlines for Tuesday, August 5
Today’s Headlines for Friday, July 25
Today’s Headlines for Thursday, July 11
Today’s Headlines for Monday, October 27
Chicago Transit Board appoints acting president, discusses customer service and public safety
CTA budget focuses on staffing to restore service, and capital improvements
Happily, fares will remain the same—a deliberate move on the part of the agency to encourage people to continue returning to public transportation.
