07/02/03
The Chicago Transit Board, at its monthly meeting today, approved a contract for the CTA to build a new 117-car Park ?N Ride facility to serve customers using the Green Line Garfield Boulevard 'L' station. Located at 314 E. Garfield Boulevard, the new facility will provide an additional option for thousands of commuters who travel into the Central Business District each day.
The parking lot will be built on vacant land located on the west side of the station. Amenities will include a fence, several canopies to protect customers from the elements, and lighting. For added convenience, a new entrance will be built leading directly from the parking lot into the station.
The contract, valued at $777,146, was competitively bid and awarded to Oakley Construction Company, Inc. of Chicago. Construction will begin in late August and last for approximately six months. The federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement Program and the Illinois Department of Transportation will provide the funding.
"Park ?N Ride facilities help us fulfill the CTA mission to link people, jobs and communities," said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Valerie B. Jarrett. ?They add to a customer's overall rapid transit experience by allowing more travel flexibility and providing even greater access to the CTA bus and rail system."
?Anytime you can provide commuters with another travel option it is a plus," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. ?We look forward to bringing this additional amenity to our existing customers, and hope to attract new customers who will appreciate this convenient alternative for traveling into the Loop."
Green Line trains serve the Garfield Boulevard station weekdays from 4:01 a.m. until 1:41 a.m., Saturday from 6:01 a.m. until 1:42 a.m. and Sunday/Holidays from 7:01 a.m. to 1:43 a.m.
In May 2003, average weekday ridership at the Green Line Garfield Boulevard station was 1,099, up 21 percent compared to May 2002. There was also a nine percent increase in Saturday ridership, and an 11 percent increase on Sundays and Holidays.
In 2002, the Green Line was the CTA's fourth busiest rail line with a grand total of 9,390,822 rides taken, while the Red Line was the busiest with 64,730,009 rides taken.
The CTA operates fifteen Park ?N Ride facilities throughout its rail system.
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