Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Rail Transit

A Canteen PPE vending machine in the MTA. Photo Taidgh Barron, New York Post

Always use protection: PPE vending machines are coming to Chicago ‘L’ stations

By John Greenfield | Oct 21, 2020 | No Comments

While the initiative can't hurt, it won't be helpful for people who lack masks -- which are for sale just about everywhere nowadays -- because they can't afford to buy them.

An Empire Builder train in Glenview. Photo: Jeff Zoline

Sign of the Times: Chicago-Minneapolis Amtrak service is expanding to twice daily

By John Greenfield | Oct 19, 2020 | No Comments

The plan for a second daily Amtrak Empire Builder Line run between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul is moving forward thanks to the award of a $31.8 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration.

Michigan Avenue yesterday. Photo: John Greenfield

Chicago Loop Alliance: More residents are using private cars to commute downtown

By Sharon Hoyer | Oct 14, 2020 | No Comments

A report released yesterday by the CLA found a disproportionate spike in downtown parking rates recently as compared with pedestrian traffic and business activity.

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.

New Sat/Sun pass, capital projects, and South Cook pilot part of Metra’s 2021 Budget

By David Zegeye | Oct 9, 2020 | No Comments

Fortunately Mayor Lightfoot and CTA now seem to be onboard with South Cook pilot. An intergovernmental agreement is drafted and will hopefully be approved at the November board meeting.

A South Shore Line car during non-pandemic times. Photo: Jeff Zoline

“It’s foolish”: Experts say South Shore’s Mask Optional Car could cause super-spreader event

By Sharon Hoyer | Oct 9, 2020 | No Comments

"Clearly, it’s a bad idea,” said one infectious disease expert. “It’s really letting an ignorant public make health decisions the leadership of the South Shore Line should be providing with guidance from state government."

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