02 Action
Why this is important
All buses and trains in our region’s transit system are already ADA accessible, but there is still some work to be done to our stations and infrastructure around transit. The RTA and Service Boards are continuing to fund accessibility improvements and create accessible connections to transit.
2023 Activities
Shared Activities
The agencies are using existing Service Board plans to develop a full regional accessibility improvement plan which identifies funding sources and capital projects with priorities on investment.
RTA
Lead development of plan described in Shared Activities.
Continue to monitor accessibility improvement projects through RTA’s Access to Transit and 5310 funding programs.
CTA
Commence four additional rail station accessibility improvement projects, following their All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) strategic plan.
Metra
Implement ADA improvement projects at 13 Metra Electric stations.
Create fully accessible infill stations at Peterson/Ridge and Auburn Park.
Develop an overall station accessibility plan for 2023.
Continue train-tracker and elevator replacements across the system.
Pace
Improve Dempster Pulse station to be fully accessible.
Construct sidewalk and shelter pads at non-Pulse stops.
CMAP
Advance ADA transition planning with local municipalities.
Coordinate Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) applications for accessibility improvement projects.
Assist in technical ADA transition plans in Local Technical Assistance (LTA) projects.
Input from stakeholder working groups
Stakeholder working groups suggest expanding CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program to a regional accessibility plan with established, dedicated funding and investment sources. Working groups also recommend making paratransit services more accessible for all forms of mobility devices, as well as improving the connecting infrastructure and developments around transit, such as sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.
What we as a region could do with more resources
With more resources, the agencies could advance accessibility improvements more quickly. More state, federal, and regional funding would also help local municipalities invest in improved sidewalks, crosswalks, and other infrastructure near their transit stations.