Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Rail Transit

The Montrose Blue Line station and evening rush hour traffic on the Kennedy Expressway. Photo: John Greenfield

Reality check: You can’t solve congestion by widening roads – invest in transit instead

By John Greenfield | Dec 9, 2021 | No Comments

Yes, driving to work in Chicagoland is terrible, but more lanes aren't the answer. We need faster, more frequent, and more reliable CTA and Metra service.

A Metra Electric District train at the Pullman station on Labor Day Weekend, when the new Pullman National Monument opened. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Have reduced South Side Metra fares increased ridership? It’s complicated

By Igor Studenkov | Dec 8, 2021 | No Comments

The jury is still out on whether the Fair Transit South Cook reduced fare pilot, which launched in January 2021, has increased ridership on the Metra Electric District and Rock Island District lines.

One of the new bike lanes on Logan Boulevard next to the ghost bike memorial for Kevin Clark. Photo: Sharon Hoyer

At annual meeting, ATA prioritizes safe streets, transit access, and lowering emissions

By Sharon Hoyer | Dec 6, 2021 | No Comments

Hopefully the funding wins from the past year prepare the ground for big material changes in the years ahead.

Transit Ambassadors on a BART train in the San Francisco Bay Area. Photo: BART

Wave of violence against CTA workers highlights the need for Transit Ambassadors

By John Greenfield | Dec 3, 2021 | No Comments

Everyone on the CTA deserves to feel and be safe, especially the transit employees who help keep the city moving.

All transit riders deserve safe, dignified conditions. What are the best approaches to deliver that? Photo: John Greenfield

Let’s address crime, smoking, and homelessness on CTA effectively and humanely

By Courtney Cobbs | Nov 23, 2021 | No Comments

A new petition proposes more police and taller fare gates. We encourage readers to advocate for transit ambassadors and holistic solutions for homelessness instead.

A sign for a gender-neutral bathroom in the Loop. Photo: Eric Allix Rogers

Chicago’s dearth of public restrooms limits access to public space. Let’s fix that.

By Courtney Cobbs | Nov 21, 2021 | No Comments

More public bathrooms would help people from many walks of life, including some of our city's most vulnerable residents.

Show More Stories