Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Rail Transit

The Davis Street Metra and CTA stations in Evanston. Photo: Jeff Zoline

After lobbying by CTA and Pace, RTA board shifts some COVID funding from Metra

By Igor Studenkov | Nov 8, 2021 | No Comments

Under the new agreement, the CTA will get $912.1 million (61 percent of the funds), while Metra will get $513.6 million (34 percent) and Pace will get $71.3 million (5 percent).

Two out of the three buses clustered at Foster and Clark in Andersonville during a recent rush hour. Photo: John Greenfield

Confirmed: Current CTA unreliability is caused by staffing shortages. How do we fix that?

By John Greenfield | Nov 5, 2021 | No Comments

We've accurately diagnosed the cause of current CTA weirdness. Now we need to hold the agency accountable for keeping its promise of "actively recruiting workers to fill existing vacant positions."

A Metra Union Pacific West train and a CTA Green Line train cross paths on Lake Street. Photo: Jeff Zoline

CTA, Pace, and Metra are fighting over federal COVID stimulus funding split

By Igor Studenkov | Nov 5, 2021 | No Comments

CTA and Pace officials have objected to the Regional Transportation Authority's proposal for divvying up American Rescue Plan Act stimulus funds between those systems and Metra.

A CTA bus on Chicago's Michigan Avenue. Photo: John Greenfield

I’m fairly optimistic about the future of public transportation – if we take action now

By John Greenfield | Nov 3, 2021 | No Comments

As Mark Twain might have said, reports of the death of transit have been greatly exaggerated, but we do need to take decisive action to make buses and trains a more reliable and appealing option.

Elected officials and Metra staff break ground on the new station. Photo: Courtney Cobbs

After multiple snafus, Metra breaks ground on long-awaited Peterson/Ridge station

By Courtney Cobbs and Igor Studenkov | Nov 2, 2021 | No Comments

Construction was delayed due to state budget issues impacting funding and most recently, issues with permits.

A CREATE (Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program) grade separation project. Photo: Jessica Papanek

Congressmen Garcia, Schneider introduce rail grade separation funding bill

By John Greenfield | Oct 30, 2021 | No Comments

The reps noted that in addition to preventing crashes, separating rail crossings can also improve passenger and freight rail service by allowing for higher speeds and more frequent service.

Show More Stories