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Metra
Study: Loss of Public Transit in Chicago Would Have ‘Severe’ Mobility, Economic Consequences
The first-of-it’s kind study found that without public transit, Chicago would lose an estimated $35 billion in economic activity annually and the quality of life of residents, particularly women and low-income groups, would take a major hit.
Proposed Legislation Would Consolidate Chicago Transit Agencies
State lawmakers say the move could cut down on competition and make regional transit more efficient for riders.
Chicago Trains Make More Room for Bikes
Since Metro launched a new bike-friendly policy in February, the number of bikes on its trains rose by 70 percent.
Chicago Train Track Heaters Put on Fiery Show
Metra workers are lighting up heaters designed to prevent train equipment from malfunctioning, making the tracks look ablaze with fire.
Rail Electrification: Caltrain adds BEMUs to its EMU Order
Caltrain, the San Francisco-to-San Jose commuter railroad, plans to begin electrified operation next year on its 49-mile mainline. A 28-mile extension south to Gilroy would continue to be served by diesel trains, with one train powered by battery.
Chicago Transit Could See Consolidated Agencies, Fare Systems
A report makes recommendations for closing the region’s transit funding gap and improving service frequency and reliability.
Chicago Awarded Federal Funding for Accessible Train Stations
The city received a federal grant geared toward improving accessibility at CTA and Metra stations, close to a third of which lack ADA compliance.
Alternative Railroad Electrification
Rather than building costly overhead electrification infrastructure to convert a Chicago-area commuter rail line from polluting diesel power to emission-free electricity, the Metra Board of Directors chose a far less expensive and quicker route.
Advocates Urge Mayor Lightfoot to Keep Transit Running in the Event of Post-Election Unrest
Nine organizations signed a petition to prioritize access to transit during potential post-election protests.
Moving Forward with Metra's Equity-Guided Transit System Plans
Metra's significant drop in ridership has forced the agency to adapt to a new transit landscape and plan for equitable fare offerings and service changes.
Metra North Central Service Line Riders Push for More Service
A new report imagines more robust service on one of Metra's regional commuter lines in Chicago.
Opinion: Improved Commuter Rail Services Would Better Serve Chicago’s South Side Residents
The city’s South Side residents need more transit options, but an extension of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line would be a costly and less effective alternative.
Advocating for Reduced Transit Fairs for Low-Income Riders in Chicago
A new report by the Active Transportation Alliance builds the case for reduced transit fares on all three transit systems in the Chicago region.
Another New Commuter Rail Station for Chicago's South Side Transit Deserts
A South Side Chicago neighborhood with a history of neglect and disinvestment will soon be adding a new train station on the regional commuter system.
What's Hindering Regional Transportation in the U.S.?
Public transportation that serves regional areas makes sense, but the United States has been slow to pursue strategies and policies that foster these types of systems.
Editorial: Cheaper Metra on the South Side Would Ease Chicago's Transit Inequities
The Red Line extension to 130th is still unfunded and a universal Chicago fare card hasn’t materialized, but in the immediate term, the Metra can run more trains and charge lower fares to help get the South Side moving.
Chicago's Metra Will Build a 95th Street Station
Metra’s Electric line is one of the few places where Chicago’s commuter rail owns the tracks. Transit advocates have lobbied for years for the service to be run more like traditional public transit.
Op-Ed: Metra Expansion May Encourage Sprawl
The $45 billion transportation bill approved by the Illinois Legislature ended up including more public transit funding than it originally offered, but a Kendall County Metra project raises questions.
New Policy Would Likely Close Commuter Rail Stations on the South Side of Chicago
A new station evaluation policy, expected for adoption by the Metra Board of Directors in May, would make it easier to shut down "underperforming" stations.
Polar Vortex Shuts Down Detroit's Q-Line Streetcar
Other polar vortex-related transit news included fire on the tracks in Chicago.
City of Madera
City of Santa Clarita
Borough of Carlisle
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Colorado Energy Office
Pima County Community College District
City of Piedmont, CA
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
