The agency projects modest ridership growth while aiming to make long-term investments in bus and rail improvements.

In an article for Streetsblog Chicago, Sharon Hoyer outlines the budget released by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) for 2024.
“At $2B, the operating and capital expenses add up to a 9 percent increase over the 2023 budget, due mainly to increases in labor and material costs.” Although rider fares will remain the same, Hoyer notes that “the CTA does not anticipate any big ridership jumps in the year ahead, largely due to a gradual return to in-person office work post-pandemic, with hybrid and remote work now the norm for many former work commuters.”
To fill the impending $577 million budget shortage projected for 2026, the agency plans to make improvements that will boost ridership, “including 14 train station ADA accessibility upgrades, track repair, purchase of new rail cars, bus electrification infrastructure, replacement of outdated fare boxes, and the long-awaited Red Line Extension to 130th street.”
The budget also supports improved bus service and bus rapid transit. “The CTA budget specifically mentions adding some bus priority lanes on key routes and adding transit signal priority to the busy Ashland route.”
FULL STORY: CTA budget focuses on staffing to restore service, and capital improvements

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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