Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Rail Transit

A Union Pacific Northwest Line outbound express train races past Des Plaines station. This summer the line will see express trains on weekends as Metra hopes to encourage more ridership. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Metra Is Trying Several New Strategies to Lure Weekend Riders

By Igor Studenkov | May 28, 2019 | 13 Comments

In response to survey results that show riders want more, later, and faster service on weekends, Metra is adding more runs and other incentives for weekend ridership.

A CTA Green Line Train. Photo: Jeff Zoline

Service Disruptions on Green Line This Weekend for FastTracks Improvements

By John Greenfield | May 24, 2019 | 2 Comments

The Work on the South Green Line is funded by Chicago's ride-hailing fee.

Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki ride the 'L' in "Widows."

Chicago Transportation Infrastructure and Politics Got Their Close-up in “Widows”

By John Greenfield | May 23, 2019 | 6 Comments

Former alderman Bob Fioretti discusses how his experience getting burned by the last ward remap plays into the plot of the film.

Lightfoot is sworn in as mayor at this morning's inauguration in Wintrust Arena. Photo: John Greenfield

Why Lori’s Order to End Aldermanic Prerogative Is Good for Sustainable Transportation

By John Greenfield | May 20, 2019 | 17 Comments

Too often in the past, aldermen have unfairly used their veto power to block good walking, biking, and transit projects in their wars.

Scheinfeld on the Chicago Riverwalk. Photo: CDOT

Outgoing Transportation Chief Rebekah Scheinfeld Discusses Her Drama-Free Tenure

By John Greenfield | May 20, 2019 | 11 Comments

While her predecessor Gabe Klein was famous for his bold initiatives, Scheinfeld also accomplished a number of big projects during her time at CDOT.

“Disastrous” State Capital Bill Would Allocate 7X as Much Money for Roads as Transit

By John Greenfield | May 17, 2019 | 11 Comments

The proposal, which includes multiple vehicle tax increases and new fees, would allocate $23 billion to roads and bridges but only $3.4 billion on transit.

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