Chicago area active duty military personnel and possess an Armed Forces ID Card;
An actively drilling member of the National Guard and Reserves who possesses an Armed Forces ID card;
A Chicago area disabled veteran who has a qualifying service-connected disability and can provide proof that: you are in receipt of United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs (USDVA) disability compensation of 10% or greater; or you are receiving military disability retirement pay in lieu of USDVA compensation at a rate of 10% or greater.

Q: What is required to confirm my eligibility?
A:

For active duty military personnel, an Armed Forces ID card.
For disabled veterans, an official letter from the USDVA indicating eligibility for a qualifying service-connected disability payment as outlined above, along with a valid state ID card.

Q: How and where do I obtain my Military Service Pass?
A: Beginning August 1, 2009, visit one of our service centers on the select days of the month as listed below:

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph
Room 5-570
Chicago, IL 60601
1st Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
820 S. Damen
Room 2446
Chicago, IL 60612
4th Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Q: What if I am on active duty and in uniform?
A: You can ride for free and do not need to use your Military Service Pass. However, if you are on active duty but not in uniform, you must have a Military Service Pass in order to ride for free.

Q: How do I use my Military Service Pass to get free transit?
A: Touch your Military Service Pass to the blue target on the bus or rail station turnstile. Do not insert the Military Service Pass into the slot.

Q: I am retired from the military. Am I eligible for a Military Service Pass?
A: No. Only active duty military personnel and disabled veterans who have a qualifying service-connected disability (as outlined above) are eligible for the Military Service Pass. If you are 65 years of age or older, you may be eligible for the RTA Seniors Ride Free Program. Contact the RTA at (312) 836-7000 or go to rtachicago.com for details.

Q: How do I replace my lost or stolen MSP?
A: Print out a Request for Replacement Form or contact the CTA at 1-888-YOURCTA (1-888-968-7282) (1-888-CTA-TTY1). Please make sure you print neatly and include a telephone number. Do not submit a photo as we have one on file.

To Order by Mail:

Enclose a money order payable to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).The fee is $5.00 for the first replacement and $10.00 for all subsequent replacements. Please do not mail cash.
Mail your application with money order to the CTA Military Service Pass Program, P.O. Box 7563, Chicago, IL 60680-7563. Your pass will be mailed to you within five to seven business days.

In Person:

Visit the Sales Center located on the 2nd floor of CTA Headquarters, 567 West Lake Street, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may use a money order, cash or credit card (American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Discover) to pay for your replacement card. Present your Request for Replacement form along with your payment. Your replacement Military Service Pass will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days.

U-Pass

Q: Who is participating in the U-Pass program?
A: See the main U-Pass page for a full list of participating institutions.

Q: Where can I go with my U-Pass?
A: Anywhere the CTA's buses and trains go! Check out our Top Transit Trips Section!

Q: What if my U-Pass is lost or stolen?
A:

Bring a completed replacement form, valid school ID and $50.00 (cash, credit or money order) non-refundable replacement fee to the CTA Customer Service Center (at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd FL, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
CTA will replace lost or stolen passes only once per academic term.
If U-Pass is put into the cash slot on a bus, it is treated as lost/stolen and you'll need to pay $50.00 for a replacement.

Q: What if my U-Pass is captured in CTA fare equipment?
A:

On CTA buses:

The card will be collected. You will be asked to complete a Report of Captured Farecard (form 3027). You will be allowed to ride free and given a copy of the report.

Bring your copy of the Report of Captured Farecard (form 3027), a completed replacement form, your student ID and the filled out U-Pass Card replacement Form to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street 2^nd FL, Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM, to request a replacement U-Pass. The replacement U-Pass will be sent to your school in 5-7 business days. If U-Pass is put into the cash bill slot on a bus, it is treated as lost/stolen and you'll need to pay $50.00 for a replacement. You will not be issued any temporary fare. At CTA train stations:

On CTA trains:

The card will be collected. You will be asked to complete a Fare Discrepancy Report (Form 3024), and you'll be issued a $5.00 transit card and a copy of the report.

Bring the Fare Discrepancy Report (Form 3024), a completed replacement form and your student ID to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street 2^nd FL, Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM, to request a replacement U-Pass. When you present the form to the customer service agent, you will be issued an unlimited 5-day transit pass. The replacement U-Pass will be sent to your school in 5-7 business days.

Q: What if my U-Pass is damaged or defective?
A: Bring the damaged card, a completed replacement form and your student ID to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street 2nd FL, Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM, to request a replacement U-Pass. Your damaged card will be collected and you will be issued an unlimited-ride 7-day pass.

The replacement U-Pass will be sent to your school in 5-7 business days.

Q: How often can I use my U-Pass per day?
A: As often as you want (you can't reuse your card at the same station or on the same bus line for 10-15 minutes). The U-Pass allows you unlimited rides on the CTA, anytime, anywhere, any reason.

Q: Can I share my U-Pass with my friends?
A: U-Pass is limited to exclusive use by the full-time student whose name and photo appear on the card. Any U-Pass presented by a person other than the student whose name and photo appears on it will be confiscated and the person may be subject to arrest.

Q: I drive--does the U-Pass have any benefits for me?
A: The U-Pass gives you an opportunity to get out of your car and:

save money - no parking, gas and car upkeep costs;
help save the environment - lower fuel emissions; and
reduce frustration - avoid traffic congestion.

Q: Where can I call for directions?
A: Get travel information and directions by calling the RTA Travel Center at (312) 836-7000 (TTY: 312-836-4949). Operators are available daily from 5:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. They can also send you a CTA System Map, Downtown Sightseeing Guide or schedules. CTA Maps and Downtown Sightseeing Guides are also available at CTA train stations.

Q: Who can I contact if I have a question about my U-Pass?
A: E-mail us at cta-upass@transitchicago.com or call 1-888-YOUR-CTA.

Q: Can I use my U-Pass on Pace buses or Metra Commuter trains?
A: No, neither Metra nor Pace accepts the CTA U-Pass. Your pass is accepted on CTA buses and trains only.

Q: What if my U-Pass becomes deactivated ("hotlisted")?
A: Hotlisted passes will be confiscated. Please go to your school’s Student Affairs Office to ascertain problem. After your school has notified us, you can go to the CTA Customer Service Center (at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd FL, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.), with your student ID and $50.00 to request a replacement card.

Q: How can my school participate in the U-Pass program?
A: College/Universities offering U-Pass must be degree-granting, post-secondary institutions and certified by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. School must enter into a contract with the CTA.

History and Facts

Q: When did the CTA begin operation?
A: The CTA began operating on October 1, 1947, after it acquired the properties of the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and the Chicago Surface Lines. On October 1, 1952, CTA became the sole operator of Chicago transit when it purchased the Chicago Motor Coach system.

Q: Where is CTA Headquarters located?
A: The CTA headquarters is located at: 567 W Lake St Chicago, IL 60661 (312) 664-7200

Procurement

Q: What is a bid?
A: A bid is a vendor's response to a solicitation by the Authority requesting offers to provide a specific good or service.

Q: Does a vendor need to be pre-qualified to bid?
A: No. If you can provide the goods and/or services requested in the invitation to bid, you may bid on the specification.

Q: How does a vendor become pre-qualified to bid, and how often does the vendor need to renew its pre-qualified status?
A: As stated above, a vendor does not need to be pre-qualified to bid. However, a vendor is encouraged to register online, which will allow the vendor to be added to CTA's database of vendors, which includes those commodities that the vendor is able to provide.

Q: Can I apply to become a CTA Vendor On-line?
A: Yes, you can apply to become a CTA Vendor on-line by accessing our on-line vendor/DBE registration system at www.ctavendor.com.

Q: Does a vendor need to pay for bid specifications?
A: When required, you must provide us with cash, a cashier's check, certified check or money order.

Q: Can bids be faxed?
A: Bids must be returned to the Authority in accordance with the instructions to bidders contained within the bid document.

Q: Can vendors from outside the county or state make bids?
A: Yes, there are no restrictions regarding a vendor's location

Q: When are bids opened?
A: Bids are opened and read publicly at 11a.m. on the date indicated in the bid document. Bids received after the hour and date indicated for the bid opening will not be considered.

Q: What disqualifies a bid?
A: You should read the specification document very carefully and follow all instructions. This is the best way to keep from having your bid disqualified. In general, bids can also be disqualified for being late or missing information and/or signatures. Please note that these reasons should not be considered all-inclusive.

Q: What are the results of the bid opening?
A: These were available at the time of the bid opening, however no information can be provided during the review and evaluation process.

Q: What was the previous price?
A: Information can be obtained through the Freedom of Information Act process. However, bidders are encouraged to offer their best price without considering the previous price.

Q: Who is the low bidder?
A: This information will be available after the contract is awarded.

Q: When will the contract be awarded?
A: Bids are normally to be valid for 90 days after bid opening and a contract is to be awarded sometime during that period.

Q: Do I need to bid through a DBE?
A: No.

Q: What is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)?
A: A DBE firm is a firm which is owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals pursuant to 49 CFR, Part 26. More information regarding CTA's DBE program can be obtained from the DBE Department.

Q: Where do I find a DBE firm to use?
A: The Illinois Unified Certification Program publishes and maintains a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Directory which lists all certified DBEs in the State of Illinois. A copy of this directory can be viewed on CTA's web page or you may contact the DBE Department for a copy of this directory.

Q: Who are approved DBE's?
A: Please contact the DBE department for a copy of the aforementioned Disadvantaged Business Directory.

Q: Can I apply and/or maintain my DBE Certification On-line?
A: Yes, you can apply for DBE certification, and maintain your certification if you are already certified, on-line by accessing our on-line vendor/DBE registration system at www.ctavendor.com.

Q: I'm a certified DBE with the City of Chicago/the Illinois Department of Transportation/Metra/ Pace, am I also certified with CTA?
A: CTA is a certifying participant in the Illinois Unified Certification Program (IL UCP). All firms that are certified with the IL UCP through one of the aforementioned agencies are considered DBEs with CTA. Please note that WBE and MBE certifications are NOT recognized by CTA.

Q: What is the Illinois Unified Certification Program (IL UCP)?
A: The IL UCP is based on the concept of reciprocity among the participants. The certifying participants of the IL UCP are CTA, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the City of Chicago, Metra and Pace. "One Stop Shopping" is provided to certified DBE firms such that an applicant DBE need only to apply once for DBE certification. If the firm is approved as a DBE firm, this certification is honored by all IL UCP participants in the State of Illinois.

Q: How do I fill out Schedules C and D?
A: Please follow the directions in the document or contact the DBE department should you need additional assistance.

Q: How do I get my product approved?
A: Review and approval is handled by CTA's Technical Services or using departments.

Q: How do I sell to CTA?
A: We will send you a copy of the publication, "Doing Business With CTA." We will also send you a vendor application, which you should complete and return to CTA.

Q: Which Procurement Administrator or Buyer is in charge of purchasing my commodity?
A: No one particular commodity is necessarily assigned to one particular individual. You should contact the specific person handling a specific procurement.

Q: Please explain the difference between purchases over and under $10,000.00?
A: Purchases in excess of $10,000.00 are required to be publicly advertised for bid, whereas those of $10,000.00 or less in value are not required to be publicly advertised.

Q: Is everything that CTA purchases posted on the website?
A: No, generally only those purchases that are in excess of $10,000.00.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Q: What is certification?
A: Certification is the process through which we examine the ownership and control of businesses seeking designation as a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE).

All firms certified by CTA as a DBE will be deemed eligible as an Illinois Unified Certification Program (IL UCP) company. The IL UCP DBE designation provides for "one-stop-shopping" for DBE certification within the state of Illinois and is accepted by all USDOT recepients. The five (5) agencies within the IL UCP who issue DBE certifications are the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), City of Chicago, CTA, Metra and Pace.

Q: Is there a cost to become certified?
A: No. There is no cost for the certification process.

Q: How long does it take to become certified?
A: On the average, it takes 90 days to process a certification application provided all required documents and complete answers to all questions have been submitted.

Q: Where can I get a copy of the certification application?
A: The certification application is available on the 4th Floor 567 W. Lake Street. Chicago, IL 60661-1498. You can apply at http://www.ctavendor.com.

Q: What does the certification process involve?
A: The certification application is first assigned to an Intake Analyst to review for completeness of information. The Intake Analyst works with the applicant to obtain any missing information and prepares the application for submission to the Certification Officer. The Certification Officer reviews the application, conducts a site visit and issues a recommendation to accept or deny the application for DBE eligibility. A management committee determines the final decision for approval or denial, based upon the officer's recommendations and findings. If the DBE Program approves the application, a "certification letter" is issued to the applicant. If the DBE Program denies certification, the applicant is given an opportunity to appeal the certification denial decision.

Q: Will the certification application be processed if all answers are not provided?
A: Yes, however, an incomplete application will take longer to process. It is important that all answers be accurate and complete. If a question is not applicable, then indicate "not applicable" or "n/a".

Q: Is there a geographic location requirement for certification?
A: No.

Q: How long does certification last?
A: The original certification is valid for three years. During the 3 year period, the applicant will be required to submit a "No Change Affidavit", on the anniversary date of its original certification affirming no change has occurred impacting its DBE status.

Q: Is the Chicago Transit Authority's certification accepted by other entities?
A: Yes. The CTA's certification is accepted by the Illinois Department of Transportation, City of Chicago, Metra and PACE.

Q: Where can I get a copy of the directory of certified businesses?
A: You can get a copy at 567 W. Lake Street. (4th Floor), Chicago, IL 60661-1498. Businesses certified with the IL UCP as DBEs are also listed on our website in the DBE Directory.

Q: Should I apply for DBE certification?
A: DBE goals are established for projects funded by the federal government. These projects impact the improvements or support of the Authority's daily operations. If your company is interested in these contracts, you should apply for DBE certification with any IL UCP agency. Once certified as a DBE by an IL UCP member, it is not necessary to reapply with CTA.

Q: Do I have to be certified to do business with the Chicago Transit Authority?
A: No. A business is not required to be certified to do business with CTA. However, any work you perform as a prime contractor or subcontractor will not be credited as meeting the established DBE contract goal.

Q: Must I complete the Socio and Economic Affidavit as well as a Personal Net Worth Statement for each owner?
A: Yes. Those persons who are identified as socio and economic disadvantaged individuals that make up 51 percent of the firms ownership are required to complete these affidavits.

Q: If I am certified with any other agency as an MBE/WBE, must I complete a DBE application with CTA?
A: Yes. The Chicago Transit Authority does not accept MBE/WBE reciprocal certifications from any agency. Only IL UCP DBE certifications are accepted by CTA.

Slow Zone Elimination

Q: What goes into laying 'L' tracks?
A: Railroads typically have two rails on which trains run, and are held in place by being affixed to track "ties." Ties can be made of wood, plastic or concrete. Tie plates are affixed directly to the track ties at a precise distance, and the rails are, in turn, are affixed to the ties by the tie plates.

The 'L' (like many other rapid transit systems) also has a "third rail" off to the side of the running rails, which is how electrical power is delivered to the trains.

Q: Why are there slow zones on the 'L'?
A: Slow zones are instituted in areas where train speeds should be restricted to maintain safe travel. Commonly, this occurs in a section of track that is beyond its service life and in need of repair or replacement. Slow zones are also sometimes established temporarily in work zones over a period of ongoing construction work.

We take your safety very seriously, and continually inspect our railways for signs of deterioration. If track inspectors (or high-tech track-measuring equipment used for inspection) detect advanced wear or potential defects, a temporary slow zone may be put in place (or other, appropriate action taken), pending repair work.

Orange Line Extension Project

Q: Why does the Orange Line need to be extended?
A: The need for the project is based on the following considerations:

Access to the Orange Line is currently constrained by limited parking availability;
Access to the Orange Line by bus or auto is unreliable due to congestion approaching the existing terminal station; and
Few uncongested roadways are available to access the current Orange Line terminal because of wider than usual arterial street spacing, which limits mobility for residents and businesses.

Q: How would CTA fund this proposed project?
A: Two types of funding are needed for the proposed extension – capital and operating. Capital funding (construction funding) for the proposed extension is provided partially by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), through its “New Starts” grant program. This program provides funding for major public transit infrastructure projects throughout the United States through a highly competitive process. CTA is currently in the second phase of that process that will allow the agency to apply for funding. Upon successfully advancing through the FTA’s process, a project would be qualified to receive a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) from the Federal Government. The FFGA typically covers about half of a project’s capital cost. Other non-federal funds will comprise the remainder of capital funding. Once the proposed extension is built and operational, CTA’s operating budget would support day-to-day service and determine the frequency and hours of service for the proposed extension.

Q: When would the extended Orange Line be open for use?
A: Project schedule is dependent on federal reviews and approvals and funding availability. For more information, see About the Project: Schedule.

Q: When would construction begin on the proposed Orange Line extension?
A: Project schedule is dependent on federal reviews and approvals and funding availability. For more information, see About the Project: Schedule.

Q: What will be the operating hours for the proposed extension?
A: The operating hours for the proposed extension have not yet been determined.

Q: Would CTA need to buy private property because of the location of the proposed extension?
A: At this stage in the planning process, CTA cannot determine how much private property, if any, would need to be acquired in order to construct and operate the selected alternative. The effect on private property will be determined in detail as a part of the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement and the Preliminary Engineering phase of project development.

Q: Will there be places to park near the new station?
A: The preferred alternative would include a new parking structure at the proposed station.

Q: How would this proposed extension affect the natural environment and the community?
A:

The current scoping period is a time for you to provide feedback to CTA about the potential effects to the environment that you feel should be studied further in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Draft EIS will describe the potential environmental effects of the proposed Orange Line extension improvements and the steps that will be taken to mitigate them. Typically, environmental reviews for proposed transit projects address:

Transportation
Land use
Zoning and economic development
Secondary development
Land acquisition
Displacements and relocations
Cultural resources (including historical, archaeological and paleontological resources)
Parklands and recreational facilities
Neighborhood compatibility and environmental justice
Visual and aesthetic impacts
Natural resources (including air quality, noise and vibration, wetlands, water resources, geology/soils and hazardous materials)
Energy use
Safety and security
Wildlife
Ecosystems

Measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate adverse impacts will be identified and evaluated. For more information, see the Environmental Review page.

Q: How would this proposed extension impact noise in the community?
A: The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will evaluate the potential for noise impacts to the surrounding community. If it is determined that there could be noise impacts, then mitigation measures to reduce those impacts would be proposed in the Draft EIS. During the public review of the Draft EIS, you will have an opportunity to review and comment on the analysis and the proposed measures.

Q: What is the economic impact of this proposed extension?
A: The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will evaluate the fiscal and economic benefits and potential impacts of the proposed extension. During the public review of the Draft EIS, you will have an opportunity to review and comment on the economic analysis. Numerous transit studies suggest that transit investments result in economic development. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that for every $1 billion invested in transit projects, 47,500 jobs are created or sustained. Specific projections for the proposed extension would be developed in later studies.

Q: Would this proposed extension help reduce traffic congestion?
A: The purpose of the Orange Line Extension project is to improve access to the existing Orange Line for southwest side and southwest suburban residents and businesses, support the area’s ongoing economic development efforts, and strengthen the competiveness of transit in the reverse commute market.

Q: Why is the CTA extending transportation to the Ford City Mall when it could be closed in three years?
A: The purpose and need for transportation improvements in the study area extend beyond serving the Ford City Mall. CTA has met with representatives of the Ford City Mall and at this time, CTA is not aware of any plans to close the mall.

Red Line Extension Project

Q: When would the extended Red Line be open for use?
A: No timeline has yet been established. Project schedule is dependent on federal reviews and approvals and funding availability.

Q: When would construction begin on the proposed Red Line extension?
A: No timeline has yet been established. Project schedule is dependent on federal reviews and approvals and funding availability.

Q: What will be the operating hours for the proposed extension?
A: The operating hours for the proposed extension have not yet been determined.

Q: Will there be places to park near the new stations?
A: The preferred alternative includes adding new Park & Ride lots at each of the four proposed stations.

Q: How would this proposed extension affect the natural environment and the community?
A:

Potential effects to the environment will be studied in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Draft EIS will:

Identify and evaluate measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate adverse impacts
Describe the potential environmental effects of the proposed Red Line extension improvements and the steps that will be taken to alleviate them.

Typically, environmental reviews for proposed transit projects address:

Transportation
Land use
Zoning and economic development
Secondary development
Land acquisition
Displacements and relocations
Cultural resources (including historical, archaeological and paleontological resources)
Parklands and recreational facilities
Neighborhood compatibility and environmental justice
Visual and aesthetic impacts
Natural resources (including air quality, noise and vibration, wetlands, water resources, geology/soils and hazardous materials)
Energy use
Safety and security
Wildlife
Ecosystems

Q: How would the proposed Red Line extension effect current CTA services, both during construction of the new service and during operation of the new service?
A: The specifics of construction for the proposed Red Line extension have not been established yet. CTA’s general guideline is to minimize the effects of construction on existing transit services. However, bus reroutes are possible. Once the proposed extension is complete, existing bus routes may be changed to complement the new high-capacity transit service. Depending on the specific route of the service, the number of routes feeding into the 95th Street Station may be reduced, which would reduce congestion in and around this facility.

Q: Is it possible that at some point this proposed Red Line extension could go even farther to the Gary Airport and South Bend, Ind.?
A: At this point CTA’s proposal for the Red Line extension is limited to the project's defined study area. Any initiative to further expand service to the Gary Airport and South Bend, Ind., would merit further investigation and its own planning study.

Q: If the CTA already has a Locally Preferred Alternative, why is the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) still studying three other alternatives?
A: The federal National Environmental Policy Act process requires that we evaluate a range of alternatives in the EIS along with the Locally Preferred Alternative and a No Build Alternative, which looks at the existing transportation system, plus any committed transportation improvements that already are in the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Fiscal Year 2007 to 2012 Transportation Improvement Program. Other alternatives that would be evaluated in the Draft EIS would include a Transportation Systems Management Alternative (which would include a Bus Rapid Transit system on Michigan Avenue) and an elevated transit line along Halsted Street (which would not impact any parklands). Federal law protects parklands from use by transportation projects unless there are no feasible or prudent alternatives that avoid the use of parklands. Project planning must include all possible planning to minimize harm to parklands and therefore, the Halsted Alternative will be evaluated in further detail through the EIS process.

Q: For the Locally Preferred Alternative near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, has CTA talked with Union Pacific representatives?
A: CTA has had preliminary conversations with Union Pacific Railroad and will continue to coordinate with the railroad as plans proceed.

Q: Can you do Preliminary Engineering at the same time you are drafting the Environmental Impact Statement?
A: Preliminary Engineering can occur either concurrently with the Environmental Impact Statement development process or it can follow it. The timing for Preliminary Engineering is subject to funding availability and federal approvals.

Q: How does work on the other Your Red projects affect progress on the Red Line Extension?
A: Red Line Extension project is one part of the Your Red Program to extend and enhance the entire Red Line. The Your Red program consists of separate projects with their own separate sources of potential funding and timelines. These projects are mutually beneficial and are combined into the Your Red Program to ensure that they are coordinated efficiently.

Q: What portion of the extension would be elevated?
A: The Locally Preferred Alternative would operate on an elevated structure from approximately 99th Street up to 119th Street, where it would transition to an at-grade profile and then continue at grade before terminating in the vicinity of 130th Street.

Q: Can this extension connect to existing Metra Electric or South Shore services?
A: There is potential for connection of the proposed Red Line extension to the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) South Shore Commuter Rail Line in the vicinity of 130th Street, where the two lines would be adjacent to each other. This potential connection will be explored in further detail during Preliminary Engineering. A connection between the Red Line Extension and Metra Electric District at Kensington/115th Street station is not possible, as the proposed Red Line Extension routing crosses the Metra Electric District Line approximately one-half mile to the south of the Kensington/ 115th Street station.

Q: Is CTA coordinating with Metra on the Red Line Extension?
A: CTA is coordinating with Metra on our progress with the Red Line Extension project. Metra is a participating agency in the environmental review process for the Red Line Extension.

Yellow Line Extension Project

Q: When would construction begin on the proposed Yellow Line extension?
A: Project schedule is dependent on federal reviews and approvals and funding availability. For more information, see About the Project: Schedule.

Q: When would the extended Yellow Line be open for use?
A: Project schedule is dependent on federal reviews and approvals and funding availability. For more information, see About the Project: Schedule.

Q: What will be the operating hours for the proposed extension?
A: The operating hours for the proposed extension have not yet been determined.

Q: Will there be places to park near the new station?
A: The preferred alternative would include a new parking structure at the proposed station.

Q: How would this proposed extension affect the natural environment and the community?
A:

The current scoping period is a time for you to provide feedback to CTA about the potential effects to the environment that you feel should be studied further in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Draft EIS will describe the potential environmental effects of the proposed Yellow Line extension improvements and the steps that will be taken to mitigate them. Typically, environmental reviews for proposed transit projects address:

Transportation
Land use
Zoning and economic development
Secondary development
Land acquisition
Displacements and relocations
Cultural resources (including historical, archaeological and paleontological resources)
Parklands and recreational facilities
Neighborhood compatibility and environmental justice
Visual and aesthetic impacts
Natural resources (including air quality, noise and vibration, wetlands, water resources, geology/soils and hazardous materials)
Energy use
Safety and security
Wildlife
Ecosystems

Measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate adverse impacts will be identified and evaluated. For more information, see the Environmental Review page.

Q: Would this proposed extension help reduce traffic congestion?
A: The purpose of the Yellow Line extension project is to improve transit accessibility and provide mobility options by better utilizing existing transportation infrastructure capacity.

Q: Where can I find additional information about a station on the Yellow Line at Oakton Street?
A: The Village of Skokie is funding the design and construction of a new station on the Yellow Line at Oakton Street. This project will not be evaluated as part of the environmental review for the Yellow Line extension. Additional information on the Oakton station can be found on the Village of Skokie website.

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Yellow Line Extension Project

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Slow Zone Elimination

Orange Line Extension Project

Red Line Extension Project

Yellow Line Extension Project

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