A new report imagines more robust service on one of Metra's regional commuter lines in Chicago.
"According to a new report, Metra North Central Service Line riders would like weekend service and more frequent weekday runs," reports Igor Studenkov.
A Chicago Metropolitan Agency of Planning’s Local Technical Assistance grant awarded to the Village of Mundelein, which is served by the NCS Line, paid for the study, long before the effects of the coronavirus pandemic gutted service along the line, explains Studenkov. Transit officials are praising the report, however, "as a solid starting point," and committed to figuring out next steps.
The article includes detailed analysis of the planning challenges presented by the line's unique situation in the geography of the Chicago region, as well as the three proposals considered in the plan.
Read the full story: Despite COVID headwinds, study recommends ways to expand Metra NCS service
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.
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.
Chicago Commute Times Could Double Without New Transit Funding
A dire warning from regional transit leaders paints a bleak scenario for traffic if agencies are forced to cut service.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on
The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.
MTA gives itself 30 days to transform pit into basketball court
The site has been under construction since 2022; the city originally estimated it would finish the court in 2024.
Non-stop party: Chicago voters weigh permanent festival grounds
A stable place for bleachers, stages and drainage may streamline the setup and teardown of large events.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority