Since Metro launched a new bike-friendly policy in February, the number of bikes on its trains rose by 70 percent.
A new policy that allows bikes on all Chicago-area Metra trains has led to a 70 percent increase in bikes carried on trains, reports AJ LaTrace for Streetsblog Chicago.
Metra trains carried 19,000 bikes in February and 220,000 bikes in March of 2024. According to Metra operations director Aaron Maertins, the agency carried the most bikes in its history in 2023.
“Metra staff also provided updates on new bicycle racks and retrofitted train cars that the agency referred to as the “Bike Car 1.5” — train cars with a bike rack with room for upwards of four bicycles (not to be confused with the so-called ‘Bike Car 1.0’ which were old Pullman cars where the lower level was outfitted with space for up to 16 bicycles).” Metra is currently operating 35 of these cars, with five more in staged in their shop.
The article also provides information on Amtrak’s plans to renovate the concourse at Chicago’s Union Station to increase open space to accommodate more riders and make the area easier to navigate.
Chicago Rail Will Allow Bikes on All Trains
Metra will make its Covid-era bike policy permanent and install bike racks to accommodate more bikes on train cars.
Chicago's Metra Will Try One-Day Pass
Along with a scheme to simplify fares, Metra will roll out a one-day pass and a set of federally mandated safety updates.
Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis
Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions