Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Pandemic

A CTA bus driver on Sheridan Road early in the pandemic. Photo: John Greenfield

How COVID-19 impacted has Chicagoland public transportation workers

By Igor Studenkov | Mar 2, 2021 | No Comments

During the COVID-19 pandemic, at least 1,874 Chicago area transit workers tested positive for the disease, at least 14 had to be hospitalized and at least 14 passed away.

A Metra train pulls into the Palatine station. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Metra is unhappy about the RTA focusing stimulus funds on transit-dependent areas

By Igor Studenkov | Feb 22, 2021 | No Comments

The CTA would get $361 million, while Metra would get only $83 million, and Pace would get $22 million for fixed-route bus service, plus $20 million for paratransit.

A #6 Jackson Park Express bus heads downtown. Commuting via CTA bus increased slightly last month, as winter weather made walking and biking more challenging. Photo: John Greenfield

Latest Loop Alliance report shows continued uncertainty and preference for personal cars

By Sharon Hoyer | Feb 22, 2021 | No Comments

Personal cars remained the most popular way survey respondents reported getting to work—over 55 percent of respondents have said they use a personal car to commute since September.

A detail from Nate Hucheson's proposed Slow Street circuit map.

Could a network of Slow Streets circuits speed pandemic recovery?

By John Greenfield | Jan 27, 2021 | No Comments

Streetsblog reader Nate Hutcheson brainstormed a system of Slow Streets designed as a community and economic development strategy.

Christmas Eve on State Street. Loop pedestrian counts increased during the holidays. Photo: John Greenfield

Loop Alliance report shows increased foot traffic and decreased driving in December

By Sharon Hoyer | Jan 15, 2021 | No Comments

Predictably, overall Loop activity was inversely proportionate to the COVID positivity rate.

Elements gift shop, located next to a bus stop and a bikeway, and a four-minute walk from the 'L'. Image: Google Maps

Car-free streets have helped restaurants — don’t blame them for poor sales at your gift shop

By John Greenfield | Dec 8, 2020 | No Comments

We should have sympathy for merchants who are struggling. But when they blame car-free streets for their financial woes, it's best to take that with a grain of salt.

Public transportation has been a lifeline for Chicagoans during the challenges of COVID-19. Photo: John Greenfield

Active Transportation Alliance looked back at a tumultuous year during its annual meeting

By Sharon Hoyer | Dec 7, 2020 | No Comments

Awardees included transportation professionals and advocates Romina Castillo, Pha'Tal Perkins, and Wharton Sinkler.

Cycling is a great way to maintain physical and mental health during the colder months, and it's easier than it looks. Photo: John Greenfield

Make biking part of your plan to take on the challenges of a COVID-19 winter

By John Greenfield | Dec 2, 2020 | No Comments

Cold-weather cycling is just one of the options for infectious disease expert-approved cold-weather fun available.

Waiting beneath overhead heaters on the Wilson platform. Photo: John Greenfield

How can CTA riders stay warm while maintaining social distance?

By Courtney Cobbs | Nov 22, 2020 | No Comments

Rather than crowding below outdoor platform heaters, tCTA recommends waiting in stationhouses, and using online tools to track arrivals. The agency also discussed the issue of homeless people sheltering on transit.

The South Shore Line platform at Millennium Station while the Mask Optional Train policy was in effect. Photo: John Greenfield

South Shore Line president explains why the railroad finally got rid of COVID-denier cars

By John Greenfield | Nov 18, 2020 | No Comments

According to NICTD chief Mike Noland, the updated Indiana executive order provided the teeth needed to enforce the mask requirement.

A friendly reminder (bowdlerized for publication) by the Brown Line. Photo: Raed Masour

Mask asks: Facial coverings policy for CTA drivers; South Shore drops COVID-denier cars

By John Greenfield | Nov 17, 2020 | No Comments

Here's what the CTA had to say about non-compliant CTA bus operators. Meanwhile, South Shore has ended its ill-conceived Mask Optional Car policy.

October survey results. Driving a car is still the most popular way for CLA survey respondents to get to work, but it's down from last month.

Loop Alliance October report shows decreased parking, increased CTA commuting

By Sharon Hoyer | Nov 12, 2020 | No Comments

Parking rates dipped from 80 percent down to 60 percent, and of the 54 survey respondents, almost 40 percent said they were using CTA trains or buses to get to work.

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