CTA Rolls Out Station ‘Refresh & Renew’ Program
Nearly 90% of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rapid transit stations will be upgraded by year-end, the agency has reported.
Chicago Transit Authority
Senators Propose Transit Accessibility Grant Program
The All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act of 2021 has been introduced to establish grants that help transit authorities and commuter railroads upgrade existing stations to “meet or exceed accessibility standards” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reported bill authors and U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.).
Fernandez Nominated for FTA Administrator (Updated)
President Joe Biden has officially sent to the U.S. Senate his nomination of Nuria I. Fernandez for Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); the move would elevate her from Acting Administrator.
Illinois Report: One Year into Pandemic, Fuel Consumption, Transit Ridership Continue to Lag
Illinois’ major transportation revenue streams—motor fuel taxes and transit system fees—saw steep declines during the pandemic, according to an Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) report released March 25.
$2.1B CTA Red, Purple Phase One Project Under Way
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has unveiled plans to rebuild four stations as part of its $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project.
Metra Board Signs Off on 2021 Budget
Chicago’s Metra commuter rail agency is moving its Board-approved $700 million operating budget and $386.8 million capital program for 2021 to the Regional Transportation Authority for final approval. RTA’s Board will review them as part of a consolidated budget for the area’s public transit systems, including Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Pace Suburban Bus.
CTA 7000 Series Tests Under Way
The Chicago Transit Authority’s first 7000 Series rapid transit cars have begun testing. The prototype married pair in the photo, consisting of car nos. 7005 and 7006, began EMI and brake testing on CTA’s North Side Main Line on Oct. 7.
Ticket verification begins along UP Metra lines
Union Pacific has resumed ticket sales along the Metra lines it operates under contract (UP North, Northwest and West) and is requiring riders to show valid tickets as they board outbound trains or arrive at the Ogilvie Transportation Center (OTC) in Chicago.
Amtrak, Metra Bring ADA Compliance to Homewood
Amtrak and Metra have begun work on a combined $29 million construction project to upgrade the Homewood, Ill., passenger rail station. It is slated for completion in spring 2022.
CTA Taps Intersection to Sell Ads, Expand Customer Communications
Media and tech company Intersection was awarded a five-year contract with an option for a five-year extension to sell static and digital advertising for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).