Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has posed a challenge to the city's transit agency to revamp its system to be cleaner and faster, and also to emphasize the creation of retail shops in train stations.
"Daley demanded that he start seeing quick results as he announced a $227 million project to improve the safety, reliability and comfort of CTA trains and buses."
"Although the mayor didn't mention Chicago's 2016 Summer Olympic bid, most of the improvements would be completed before October 2009 when the International Olympic Committee is set to name the host city for the 2016 games."
"The top priorities include eliminating 'slow zones' on the rail system, overhauling outdated bus and train fleets to reduce equipment breakdowns, installing more security cameras and using global-positioning system technology to inform riders about delays."
FULL STORY: Mayor Daley announces $227 million project to improve the safety, reliability of city's trains and buses

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

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

Can We Please Give Communities the Design They Deserve?
Often an afterthought, graphic design impacts everything from how we navigate a city to how we feel about it. One designer argues: the people deserve better.

Austin Tests Self-Driving Bus
Autonomous buses could improve bus yard operations for electric fleets, according to CapMetro.

Missouri Tenants Sue Housing Owners Over Tax Credit Program
In Springfield, Missouri, organized tenants have filed a lawsuit against the past and present owners of their tax credit–financed properties, claiming that in exercising an opt-out provision they violated both state and federal requirements.

Judge Halts Trump Order Tying State Transportation Grants to Immigration Actions
Ruling applies to Colorado, which was among 20 plaintiff states.
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