The Chicago Transit Authority has something to celebrate as it tries to dig itself out of a budgetary hole.
"The Chicago Transit Authority has announced a record number of rail passengers during 2015, at more than 241 million riders," reports Marwa Eltagouri. "But while rail ridership broke the 2014 record with 3.5 million more rides, bus ridership fell by about 1.6 million, to about 272.5 million rides."
The article blames a blizzard in February 2015 and ongoing construction projects in Downtown Chicago for the drop in ridership. Both bus and rail totaled for an increase in ridership over 2014, however.
The ridership numbers come at a critical moment for the transit agency. It credits increased ridership to $5 billion in planned and completed improvements since 2011, but it also has ongoing budget challenges. "The CTA passed a 2016 budget counting on $300 million in state funding, about $130 million more than Gov. Bruce Rauner has indicated he would provide," according to Eltagouri.
FULL STORY: Record number of riders take 'L' but bus use slips in 2015, CTA says
Chicago Transit Increasing Rail Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Chicago Transit Authority is close to returning both rail and bus service to pre-pandemic schedules, with some adjustments for new travel demand.
Chicago Transit Releases 2024 Budget
The agency projects modest ridership growth while aiming to make long-term investments in bus and rail improvements.
Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis
Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie