Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about CTA

Some of Metra's coaches were built in 1953. Photo: railsr4me/Flickr

Chicagoland Transit Agencies are Asking for the Capital Funding They Deserve

By Igor Studenkov | Aug 21, 2018 | 7 Comments

The Regional Transportation Authority and the three transit agencies operating under its umbrella – Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace Suburban Bus – are making a forceful case for substantially more capital funding than they are currently getting. The federal and state funding for public transit has been declining over the last 10 years, not […]

A Metra board meeting in 2014. Photo: Sun-Times

Why the Regional Transit Boards Skew White and Male, and Why That Matters

By John Greenfield | Aug 8, 2018 | 27 Comments

The board members' decisions may not always reflect the needs of commuters.

Metra transfers let passengers switch between trains within the same fare zone. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Tips and Tricks for Navigating Chicago Area Public Transit

By Igor Studenkov | Apr 20, 2018 | 8 Comments

Here's some info about using transit passes, transit trackers, paired bus routes, night service, and Metra transfers that might be off your radar.

A CTA-sponsored neighborhood development plan shows potential development massing next to its L stations.

In CTA’s First-Ever TOD Plan, Too Much Parking is Proposed Adjacent to ‘L’ Stations

By Shaun Jacobsen | Apr 18, 2018 | 11 Comments

The CTA has embarked on a neighborhood development plan to recommend new mixed-use buildings next to its 'L' stations on the North Side.

What If We Give It Away? A Look at the Feasibility of Free or Cheaper CTA service

By John Greenfield | Apr 5, 2018 | 43 Comments

Some Streetsblog readers scoffed at a recent proposal for free CTA service. But making transit free, or at least cheaper for low-income Chicagoans, could have major societal benefits.

A worker cleans the Jackson Red Line station. Photo: John Greenfield

Just How Often Does the CTA Clean Its Subway Platforms?

By John Greenfield | Mar 22, 2018 | 23 Comments

It turns out that the platforms get deep cleanings less often than one would hope.

Jahmal Cole and Darryl Holliday speaking at MPC event about CTA, segregation, and Cole's organization. Photo: Audrey Wennink/MPC

Youth Organization Founder Jahmal Cole Said CTA Should Be Free

By James Porter | Mar 16, 2018 | 45 Comments

"Out of all the big ideas," said Cole, "I think it should be free, and it should be extended.

A security camera on a CTA train. Photo: CTA

CTA Using Ride-Share Fees to Add 1,000 New Security Cams, Upgrade 3,800 More

By John Greenfield | Feb 27, 2018 | 11 Comments

The $33 million program also includes new lighting, repairs and other improvements will enhance safety at all 146 CTA 'L' stations.

Illustration: Bobby Sims, Chicago Reader

Can the CTA and Metra Learn to Play Nice?

By John Greenfield | Feb 8, 2018 | 30 Comments

Benefits of increased cooperation could include fare integration and an alternative to the costly Red Line extension.

Rendering of the Obama campus. Image: Obama Foundation

We Need Better Obama Center Transit Access, Not Wider Roads

By John Greenfield | Feb 1, 2018 | 7 Comments

It's great that the design calls for pedestrianizing Cornell Drive, but the city plans to create more capacity than ever, which will only encourage more driving.

Mike Payne: Let’s Improve Rail Access to the Obama Center Instead of Widening Roads

By John Greenfield | Jan 17, 2018 | 17 Comments

The longtime Gray Line advocate spoke before the CTA board last week to propose rapid transit service on the Metra Electric line as an alternative to more asphalt.

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