CTA Budget Feedback & Ideas

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  Extend purple line express service hours

  I would like the purple line to provide express service to the loop on weekends in addition to the weekday rush period. Compared to the red line, the purple line express reduces travel time from Howard to Belmont from 20 minutes to 12 minutes, and for riders traveling to the loop, saves additional time by not requiring a transfer between the red and purple lines at Howard (the time savings would be doubled when traveling ...more »

  I would like the purple line to provide express service to the loop on weekends in addition to the weekday rush period. Compared to the red line, the purple line express reduces travel time from Howard to Belmont from 20 minutes to 12 minutes, and for riders traveling to the loop, saves additional time by not requiring a transfer between the red and purple lines at Howard (the time savings would be doubled when traveling round trip). If there were purple line express service on weekends, I would travel to downtown Chicago more frequently. I believe that many fellow Northwestern students and Evanston residents would do the same, and I also believe that Evanston residents with a choice of transportation options would be more likely to choose the L for the travel needs. Extending purple line express service would also benefit riders who take the brown line between Belmont and the loop by significantly increasing the frequency of their service.

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  Submitted by Community Member 6 months ago

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  Improve red/purple line connections at Howard

  As a purple (and red) line rider who lives in Evanston, nothing is more frustrating to me than just missing the connection to the purple line at Howard and having to wait 15 minutes for the next train. When the weather is nice, this is bearable (albeit not ideal). However, in the winter months, a long wait outside in the cold (even next to the heat sources) is very unpleasant. In the evening, purple line service functions ...more »

  As a purple (and red) line rider who lives in Evanston, nothing is more frustrating to me than just missing the connection to the purple line at Howard and having to wait 15 minutes for the next train. When the weather is nice, this is bearable (albeit not ideal). However, in the winter months, a long wait outside in the cold (even next to the heat sources) is very unpleasant. In the evening, purple line service functions primarily to discharge riders from Howard to various locations in Evanston (intra-Evanston ridership is very low). Thus, I would appreciate efforts to “hold” purple line trains in the Howard station if a red line train will arrive shortly (currently, purple line trains are usually not held for incoming red line trains). I realize that given the different service frequencies for the red and purple lines, some waits are inevitable, but minimizing 15-minute waits at Howard would go a long way towards making the rider experience more enjoyable for Evanston residents.

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  Submitted by Community Member 6 months ago

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  Make it easier to transfer to the L and buses from Metra

  This would increase ridership

  6 comments

  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Concessions

  Increase the number of concessions and other similar businesses on CTA property and inside stations.

  4 comments

  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Parking

  Raise the prices at park and ride lots

  4 comments

  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Transit oriented development

  Push for transit oriented development incentives near stations to densify, especially in outlying areas on the South and West side.

  2 comments

  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Air Rights

  Sell air rights over CTA property to developers. The Hong Kong MTR does this, and it is a big source of revenue for them. Obviously, air rights are more valuable on the MTR overall, but still might be something to look into.

  1 comment

  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Capitalize on Advertising Opportunites in Subways

  Other cities (DC, NYC and Tokyo just to name a few) have been incredibly resourceful when it comes to implementing new advertising opportunities throughout their subway networks. The CTA has miles of dark, blank subway walls, along with numerous under utilized subway stations that could be modified to accommodate new ads in motion, updated advertising panels, floor ads, pillar ads, stair ads, etc. Advertising can be a ...more »

  Other cities (DC, NYC and Tokyo just to name a few) have been incredibly resourceful when it comes to implementing new advertising opportunities throughout their subway networks. The CTA has miles of dark, blank subway walls, along with numerous under utilized subway stations that could be modified to accommodate new ads in motion, updated advertising panels, floor ads, pillar ads, stair ads, etc. Advertising can be a HUGE source of revenue, so I would propose that the CTA explore some of these creative advertising opportunities that will ultimately help address some of the larger issues facing our city's transit system -- expanded coverage and train connectors, new El/ subway cars, safety, cleanliness and professionalism of transit employees.

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  2 comments

  Submitted by Community Member 6 months ago

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  Centralize Functions to RTA

  Centralize functions to the RTA such as fuel procurement, fare & fare collection including a universal fare care, union contracts, HR and on and on. Why have all this for CTA/Metra/Pace individually, when this can be done by RTA centrally.

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  Submitted by Community Member 6 months ago

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  Adopt-a-train car

  As a way to offset the cost of the new 5000-series railcars, perhaps the CTA ought to allow individuals or organizations "adopt" the new cars as they enter service. That would consist of a contribution to the CTA capital budget of some sizable sum of money, tens of thousands of dollars at least, and perhaps as much as the full cost of the car. A plaque with a phrase such as "The Chicago Transit Auithority is grateful ...more »

  As a way to offset the cost of the new 5000-series railcars, perhaps the CTA ought to allow individuals or organizations "adopt" the new cars as they enter service. That would consist of a contribution to the CTA capital budget of some sizable sum of money, tens of thousands of dollars at least, and perhaps as much as the full cost of the car. A plaque with a phrase such as "The Chicago Transit Auithority is grateful for the help of the XYZ Corporation in purchasing this car for the people of Chicago" could be placed above the front and rear doors near the builder's plate.

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  Submitted by brecchie 6 months ago

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  Further improve bus bunching

  The CTA has done work in the past to improve bus bunching and it has improved - but more could be done. Running one nearly empty bus behind another full one is inefficient

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  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Absenteeism

  Aggressively crack down on worker absenteeism, reducing overtime costs.

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  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Increase the use of Solar and Wind power.

  We're blessed with that fact that the CTA is mostly an elevated system. We should utilize the roofs at stations and put solar power panels on them. They may not produce enough energy to power the track but they could power lights and heaters at stations cutting down cost, especially with the use of high efficient light bulbs. We could also use wind generators for the same purpose attached to pedestrian bridges (for example ...more »

  We're blessed with that fact that the CTA is mostly an elevated system. We should utilize the roofs at stations and put solar power panels on them. They may not produce enough energy to power the track but they could power lights and heaters at stations cutting down cost, especially with the use of high efficient light bulbs. We could also use wind generators for the same purpose attached to pedestrian bridges (for example the transfer bridge at the Ashland Green and Pink line stop). When the trains pass under these bridges they produce a lot of wind.

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  Submitted by cjwitt1987 6 months ago

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  Use "secret shoppers" to evaluate CTA employees.

  I've always thought it would be a good idea to use the "secret shopper" type of test for CTA employees, where a person in civilian atire would try to get help from a CTA employee and record the results of the interaction. If they fail 3 times...they're canned. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to ask for help and was treated like I was waisting there time (from reading a magazine) or just simply being completely ...more »

  I've always thought it would be a good idea to use the "secret shopper" type of test for CTA employees, where a person in civilian atire would try to get help from a CTA employee and record the results of the interaction. If they fail 3 times...they're canned. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to ask for help and was treated like I was waisting there time (from reading a magazine) or just simply being completely ignored. There are so many people who need jobs right now I'm sure they can find someone quickly to sit in a box and read a magazine and get paid for it. Furthermore, the city needs to do an assessment on what the people in those help desk areas ACTUALLY do...sometimes I see 4 CTA workers in those boxes...4? Unions have a great place in this country but when the union is used for employees to hide behind from doing work or being fired it has failed and should be replaced.

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  Submitted by cjwitt1987 6 months ago

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  Renewable energy generation

  The CTA should put out an RFP for a developer willing to pay an annual lease for the opportunity to put solar panels over park and ride lots and on the roofs of bus garages. They could even contract to buy electricity at a discount price from them, since most of the park and rides are adjacent to electrified 'L' lines, and the garages use a fair bit themselves.

  1 comment

  Submitted by brecchie 6 months ago

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  Increase utilization of the green line

  The green line is underutilized. Increase ridership on this line by helping to densify the areas around the stations.

  2 comments

  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Modify the green line so it serves Hyde Park

  Thousands of people ride buses to and from Hyde Park, while the green line trains run nearly empty even at rush hour from Garfield and Cottage Grove.

  11 comments

  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Circle Line

  Instead of extending the Red Line, add a wheel to the spokes of the L by completing the Circle Line. Ridership will increase tremendously

  2 comments

  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Implement the CTA Gray Line Project on Chicago's South Side

  Reduce the VERY EXPENSIVE Competition between Metra and CTA on the South Side by implementing the CTA Gray Line Conversion of the in-city Metra Electric Lines: http://bit.ly/GrayLineInfo It is the subject of the CDOT South Lakefront Corridor Transit Study: http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/12456386/348792632/name/PT_South+Lakefront_FEB4+PAC_FINAL.pdf The CTA Gray Line would create 8 to 10,000 NEW JOBS on Chicago's South Side. ...more »

  Reduce the VERY EXPENSIVE Competition between Metra and CTA on the South Side by implementing the CTA Gray Line Conversion of the in-city Metra Electric Lines: http://bit.ly/GrayLineInfo It is the subject of the CDOT South Lakefront Corridor Transit Study: http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/12456386/348792632/name/PT_South+Lakefront_FEB4+PAC_FINAL.pdf The CTA Gray Line would create 8 to 10,000 NEW JOBS on Chicago's South Side.

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  5 comments

  Submitted by CTA Gray Line Project 6 months ago

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  RTA funds allocation to the CTA

  Increase the CTA's allotment of funds v. Metra and PACE.

  1 comment

  Submitted by seth26c 6 months ago

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  Expand UPass

  UPass is successful at several area universities, but some (e.g. U of Chicago) still do not participate. By expanding the program, both students and the CTA will benefit.

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  Submitted by acrosb3 6 months ago

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  Employer/CTA partnerships

  Partner with employers (e.g. hospitals) so that staff can ride the CTA as part of employment. This is both attractive to employers from a recruitment perspective and financially beneficial to the CTA.

  1 comment

  Submitted by acrosb3 6 months ago

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  Seasonal Kiosks

  Vacant retail space in stations could temporarily be filled with seasonal kiosks.These could sell things like umbrellas,gloves,hats and scarves.Or impulse buy holiday gifts or cards.These could show retailers that there is money to be made in C.T.A. stations. Expanded hour temporary post offices or package drop off stores would be a welcome addition in the hectic holiday season .They could increase late night traffic ...more »

  Vacant retail space in stations could temporarily be filled with seasonal kiosks.These could sell things like umbrellas,gloves,hats and scarves.Or impulse buy holiday gifts or cards.These could show retailers that there is money to be made in C.T.A. stations.

  Expanded hour temporary post offices or package drop off stores would be a welcome addition in the hectic holiday season .They could increase late night traffic on the system especially if they were 24/7.

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  Submitted by James 6 months ago

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  Address Labor Costs First

  70% of the CTA's budget is labor, and 90% of the CTA workforce is unionized. Before considering restructuring options and alternative funding sources, the community should address the existing issue of the overwhelming cost of the CTA workforce.

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  Submitted by Lena Marie 6 months ago

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  Inflation-pegged fares

  I think fares should probably rise annually at the rate of inflation as measured by the consumer price index -- perhaps rounded to the nearest nickel or dime for the benefit of people still paying cash on the bus. As it stands, every year that nominal fares stay the same, real fares are reduced by the rate of inflation, because the CTA's labor and supplier costs go up. This would reduce the need to occasionally play ...more »

  I think fares should probably rise annually at the rate of inflation as measured by the consumer price index -- perhaps rounded to the nearest nickel or dime for the benefit of people still paying cash on the bus. As it stands, every year that nominal fares stay the same, real fares are reduced by the rate of inflation, because the CTA's labor and supplier costs go up. This would reduce the need to occasionally play "catch-up" with shocking-sounding fare increases.

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  1 comment

  Submitted by jeff 6 months ago

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