The report couldn't have come at a worse time, as Chicago prepares for fare hikes and transit cuts to make up for budget shortfalls.
As the Chicago Transit Authority prepares to adopt harsh new measures to shore up flagging state financial support, a federal report was issued last week that highlighted failings in the mass transit system that serves thousands daily.
"A yearlong National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the July 11, 2006, derailment and fire that injured more than 150 passengers found that the probable cause was 'the CTA's ineffective management and oversight of its track inspection and maintenance program and its system safety program, which resulted in unsafe track conditions.'"
"'The track had clearly been deteriorating for a long time,' said Bob Chipkevich, director of the safety board's office of railroad, pipeline and hazardous materials investigations. 'It did not happen overnight.'"
"The CTA's track inspection and maintenance, Chipkevich said, were the worst he has seen at any U.S. transit agency."
Thanks to Patrick Rollens
Read the full story: CTA blasted in '06 derailment, fire
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction
Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.
The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city
Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.
New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs
The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.
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 Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello