Emanuel on CTA Improvements & Schools Report


The CTA unveiled a $205 million initiative to rehabilitate and modernize bus and rail maintenance facilities on Tuesday. The plan, announced by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CTA President Forrest Claypool, will benefit commuters and the local economy with the creation of more than new 500 jobs.

“The CTA is the backbone of the city, keeping our people and economy moving and growing,” said Mayor Emanuel in a press release. “Investing in our infrastructure is key to Chicago’s continued growth and not only will this initiative ensure commuters have safe and reliable service for years to come, it spurs the creation of hundreds of jobs.” 

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

The majority of the investment, $130 million, will be used to upgrade the CTA's seven bus maintenance and repair facilities as well as equipment used for repairs. The remainder will go towards upgrades at rail maintenance and repair facilities.

“Conditions at some of these facilities are so poor that we have to use extra staff to make up for the inadequate equipment that can neither support more modern vehicles nor accommodate the space needed for the increasing number of 60-foot buses we’re adding to the fleet,” said Claypool in the release.

“Rehabilitation of these facilities and equipment will create a safer and more efficient work environment for our employees, which will help speed up vehicle repairs and lower the cost of making the repairs. For our customers, this will mean vehicles are returned to the streets more quickly and allow for more reliable service.” 

Rehabilitation will begin in early-2013 and continue through 2015. To learn more about specific improvements, view the PDF below. Watch Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm to learn where the city is getting the money for the project, and to hear what the mayor had to say about the Chicago Public Schools vs. Chicago Teachers Union regarding contract negotiations and the arbitrator's report.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors