03/19/01
The Chicago Transit Authority recently launched a new service to help customers with disabilities more conveniently plan their trips on the rail system. The CTA's Elevator Status Line is a toll-free hotline that gives customers the operating status of the elevators at the CTA's 52 accessible rail stations.
The CTA updates the elevator hotline every three hours beginning at midnight and customers can access the recording 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialing 1-888-YOUR-CTA, and pressing 5 for a direct connection to the Elevator Status Line.
"As part of our ongoing effort to rebuild our system, we have implemented an aggressive plan to repair and/or replace some of our older elevators and escalators," said CTA Chairman Valerie B. Jarrett. ?The Elevator Status Line allows us to expand our service capabilities to the more than 4,000 mobility-impaired customers who use our service each day. Timely repairs reaffirm our commitment to keep our rail stations accessible."
CTA President Frank Kruesi added, "The Elevator Status Line is an important tool that allows customers with disabilities to make informed transportation choices. Our customers are now a telephone call away from finding out the status of our elevators. If one is under repair, they may consider an alternative accessible route on our network of trains and buses or make travel arrangements through our Paratransit service."
The CTA also installed elevator status message boards at each of its accessible rail stations and common transfer points on its rail lines that display the information provided on the Elevator Status Line.
CTA Customer Assistants update the elevator status message boards at each station every three hours. When a Customer Assistant is not on duty, the message on the board will refer customers to the toll-free Elevator Status Line telephone number.
The CTA recently added an elevator at the Sox/35th station on the Red Line, and restructured the ramp at UIC/Halsted's Morgan Street entrance on the Blue Line, as part of an ongoing effort to make rail stations accessible for customers with disabilities.
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