In 2017, the CTA focused on improving service for customers. Highlights last year include:
Completed rail station projects
- 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
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- 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
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- 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
- “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
- 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
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- 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
- 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
- 125th Anniversary of the ‘L’
- CTA 70th Anniversary Celebration at Daley Plaza
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