03/23/06
With the rapidly approaching reconstruction of the Dan Ryan Expressway, the Chicago Transit Authority is encouraging motorists looking for an alternative to driving to take the CTA. CTA service along the Dan Ryan corridor is plentiful, with the Red, Orange and Green Lines providing rapid transit service, dozens of bus routes that connect to all three rail lines, bus routes on major north-south arterial streets and express service to downtown from the South Side.
"Bus and rail initiatives in the past few years have increased our capacity and improved our service," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. ?CTA's existing service levels in the area can meet increased demand, however, we will monitor ridership in real time and have available additional bus and rail service as needed and where needed to serve those Dan Ryan commuters who choose to take the CTA."
CTA ridership has increased 3.7 percent in the past year resulting in ridership increases in seven of the past eight years. A number of infrastructure improvements have contributed to the increase, many directly related to South Side service.
- In 2004 and 2005, running rail on the Dan Ryan branch of the Red Line was replaced and two new power substations were built in order to increase reliability, maneuverability and the ability to handle extra trains and provide faster service.
- In 2004, CTA built a new Park & Ride facility along the Green Line at the Garfield station adding 117 parking spaces. Today, CTA has eight Park & Ride facilities (six Orange Line, two Green Line) with a total of 1,498 parking spots at rail stations near the Dan Ryan corridor. That is equivalent to 15 rail cars full of customers able to combine automobile and rail to complete their daily commutes.
- In 2003, major bus service enhancements were made to bus routes along the Lake Shore Drive corridor. The changes involved new and extended express service and improved east-west service connections resulting in additional capacity, faster travel times, less crowded buses and expanded express service hours.
- In 2002, Harrison curve in the South Loop was straightened and now allows more trains to travel into the Loop per hour. Trains are also able to travel at increased speeds on that section of track, from 10 to 35 mph, providing a faster trip.
?Beginning with Dan Ryan construction on April 1, CTA will have additional personnel out along rail lines and bus routes to monitor ridership patterns and to identify need for additional service, but with our existing service, CTA already transports a large share of commuters in corridors served by the Dan Ryan," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. ?We operate hundreds of trains and buses throughout the corridor every day."
During one hour of peak morning rush, CTA carries approximately:
- 5,753 or 29 percent of commuters along the Red Line/Dan Ryan Corridor
- 4,957 or 40 percent of commuters along the Orange Line/Stevenson Corridor; and
- 5,944 or 21 percent along the South Lake Shore Corridor
?This is an opportune time to try the CTA. Commuters who may be unfamiliar with the CTA and how it operates should visit our web site at www.transitchicago.com," said Kruesi. ?Here customers can find trip planning information, Park & Ride locations and rates, and information explaining CTA bus and rail fares and the use of fare media including Transit Cards, unlimited ride passes, and of course, the Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus options that will make travel most convenient and affordable for customers."
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