Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Federal Policy

CTA online budget hearing was a short, glitchy affair amid uncertain funding future

By Igor Studenkov | Nov 16, 2020 | No Comments

Last week's public hearing on the proposed 2021 CTA budget was a sign of the COVID-19 times. It was held entirely online, with sparse attendance, and was plagued by technical glitches.

Rahm Emanuel at the December 2012 opening of the Dearborn Street protected bike lane. Photo: Steven Vance

Rahm was good for transportation, but McDonald coverup disqualifies him for USDOT post

By John Greenfield | Nov 11, 2020 | No Comments

Former CDOT chief Gabe Klein would be an ethical choice for the transportation slot who wouldn't alienate the Democratic party's progressive wing.

What will and should Biden-Harris mean for transportation? Experts, advocates weigh in

By John Greenfield | Nov 9, 2020 | No Comments

After the initial euphoria of Saturday’s election result wore off, Streetsblog Chicago reached out to local transportation leaders to get their take on what the Biden-Harris administration will mean for sustainable transportation, based on the candidates’ platform and statements. We also asked these experts and advocates, as well as our readers, what they’d like to […]

CTA’s proposed 2021 includes no service cuts or fare hikes — for now

By Courtney Cobbs | Oct 22, 2020 | No Comments

The 2021 budget will retain current fares and service levels. However, the budget is predicated on desired federal funds to make up for a $375 million COVID-related shortfall.

The bus turnaround at the Metra Milwaukee District North line's Lake Cook Road station would normally be full of "shuttle bug" buses arriving to drop off commuters, but since the pandemic started it's been down to one route. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Pace 2021 budget reflects the pandemic’s new normal

By Igor Studenkov | Oct 20, 2020 | No Comments

If there are three words that can best sum up Pace’s plans for the upcoming year, they are “pandemic status quo.”

Commuters at the Ogilvie Center. Image: WGN

Metra strikes back: Commuter railroad sues Union Pacific for refusing to collect fares

By John Greenfield | Oct 14, 2020 | No Comments

Today Metra ratcheted up the conflict another notch with a new lawsuit accusing Union Pacific of breach of contract.

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