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For October 2013 this is CTA News in Review.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Governor Pat Quinn, CTA President Forrest Claypool, and city and state
officials, unveiled the new Red Line South, one of the largest and most innovative transit
projects in the country, and a significant investment in the ongoing modernization of
public transportation in Chicago. The CTA was the first transit agency in the country
to completely rip out and replace such a large stretch of railroad in such a tightly condensed
period of time, and with such an extensive alternative service plan, a strategy that
provided customers with a better railroad in a shorter amount of time while saving tax
payer money. The 10.2 mile stretch was closed for five months to rebuild the railroad and
upgrade 8 stations along the rail line, which serve dozens of communities along Chicago's
south side. The $425 million project, which created more than 1500 jobs, many of which
will continue after the project ends, was completed on time and within budget.
The CTA has hired a construction manager for the new Red Line 95th Street terminal at the
95th Street Dan Ryan station through a process designed to help insure timely, efficient
completion of the project, that promotes strong participation from disadvantaged business
enterprise contractors. The $240 million project will expand and great improve the 95th Dan
Ryan terminal and bring significant improvements to a bus and rail station that is a vital
part of the South Side and serves about 20,000 customers each week day.
As part of the 95th Street terminal improvement project, the Chicago Transit Authority has
tapped internationally recognized Chicago based artist Theaster Gates to create the
largest public art project in the agencies history. As part of that effort, the CTA and
Mr. Gates will host a series of meetings to discuss the historic artwork planned with
members of the communities near the 95th red line terminal. To find out when and where
the community meetings will be held go to transitchicago.com.
CTA President Forrest Claypool proposed a balanced $1.38 billion budget that maintains
transit service, and holds the line on customers fares while continuing unprecedented investments
in projects and programs to improve service and modernize regional transit. The budget
reflects the positive impacts of operational efficiency reforms by CTA management to reduce
wasteful spending and maintain day-to-day operations more efficiently. The budget also
includes the 1,000 customer facing jobs the CTA created in 2013 to better serve passengers.
Furthering its efforts to upgrade technology to benefit customers, the CTA will soon bring
faster and more reliable voice, data and web services throughout its subways. The CTA is
seeking wireless telecommunication companies to upgrade the existing wireless network to
4G technology. This initiative is one of several efforts by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CTA President
Forrest Claypool to modernize infrastructure and make the CTA a world class transit system.
The Chicago Transit Board approved an agreement with PNC Bank to install 65 new automated
teller machines in rail stations expanding the number of ATM's already in CTA stations
and increasing convenience to customers. Under the agreement PNC will pay a fixed rate amount
of rent and a percentage of transaction sales to the CTA and a monthly electric charge.
The five year agreement is estimated to generate $5.2 million.
The Chicago Transit Board approved a plan to begin permanently offering bus service
on the west end of the #35, 31st/35th Street bus route after a yearlong service trial,
and the addition of new service on that route to the 31st Street beach during the summer
months. These changes in service will improve public transit options and connections for
customers on the cities south and southwest sides.
For all your breaking CTA News, go to transitchicago.com/new and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.