In 2017, the CTA focused on improving service for customers. Highlights last year include:
Completed rail station projects
![Platform view of CTA's newest Loop elevated rail station, Washington/Wabash.](/assets/1/media_relations_images/36943281905_78e8bacf2f_z.jpg)
- Wilson Red/Purple Line ($203M): Station and infrastructure work completed
- Washington/Wabash Loop Elevated ($75M): New station opened
- Illinois Medical District ($23M): renovated Damen station entrance opened
Rail station projects announced or started
![Conceptual rendering of the architectural canopy for the Belmont Blue Line terminal, that will visually enhance the street-level entrance to the subway and serve as a gateway to the surrounding community.](/assets/1/media_relations_images/Belmont_Gateway_rendering_(view_from_Kimball)_cropped.jpg)
- Quincy Loop Elevated: work underway to add elevators and make wheelchair accessible
- Damen/Lake Green Line: Construction of new station in 2018
- Your New Blue: $25M rehab of Jefferson Park, $17M rehab of Belmont bus/rail terminals in 2018
- Garfield Gateway Project ($50M): Renovation of current and historic stations in 2018
- Cottage Grove Green Line: CTA station renovation and CDOT streetscape project
Progress made on long-term projects
![Crews make significant progress on the $280M 95th Terminal project in 2017. The new South Terminal building, shown here on December 1, 2017, is expected to be complete in early 2018.](/assets/1/media_relations_images/95th_1_-_South_Terminal_(looking_north_from_expressway).jpg)
- 95th Street Terminal ($280M): New South Terminal under construction; North Terminal
- Red and Purple Modernization: Funding secured for Phase I; CTA to award construction contract in 2018
CTA service improvements
![Bus traveling along the #31 pilot route near Guaranteed Rate Field at Sox Park.](/assets/1/media_relations_images/RS35_Bus_31_Route_2016-09-27.jpg)
- “Pay before you board” pilot programs at 69th Red Line and Belmont/Lake Shore Drive
- Extension of the 31st Street bus route pilot
- Launch of #39 Pershing pilot of weekend bus service
Customer experience
![CTA's new Community Bus debuted this year and provided attendees of festivals, outdoor concerts and neighborhoods a respite from the heat, as well as a place to charge cell phones and get the latest info on CTA services.](/assets/1/media_relations_images/20170705_112601.jpg)
- Addition of 130 new digital advertising and information displays across the rail system
- Launch of new CTA Community Connections Bus
- New “3-in-1” municipal ID that can also be used as a Ventra and Chicago library card
- Free rides on the first day of school and on New Year’s Eve
Fleet modernization projects announced or started
![CTA's two all-electric buses currently in service. In 2018, CTA will be awarding a contract for the purchase of up to 45 additional all-electric buses as part of ongoing fleet modernization efforts.](/assets/1/media_relations_images/CTA_ElectricBuses(Media).jpg)
- Overhaul of 208 existing 60-foot, diesel-electric hybrid buses
- Purchase of 25 new, 40-foot, clean diesel buses
- Issuance of Request for Proposals for manufacturing of up to 20-30 all-electric buses
Public Artwork
![Newest work of art added to CTA's extensive collection of public art, "Arpeggio" is currently on display at the Wilson Red and Purple line station.](/assets/1/media_relations_images/IMG_20171023_084735_lr.jpg)
- Unveiling of new artwork designs by artist Theaster Gates for new 95th Street Terminal
- Wilson Red/Purple Line: Arpeggio, by artist, engineer and designer Cecil Balmond
- Artist contract awarded for Montrose Blue Line
Celebrations
![CTA's 70th anniversary logo](/assets/1/misc_images/70thlogo-medq.gif)
- 125th Anniversary of the ‘L’
- CTA 70th Anniversary Celebration at Daley Plaza
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