Chicago Transit Authority Announces Service Boosts Ahead of NYE

The agency says it will reach pre-pandemic service levels by the end of the year.

1 minute read

December 30, 2024, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of round blue, white, and red Chigato Transit Authority "cta" logo on exterior of building.

Antwon McMullen / Adobe Stock

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced its goal of boosting service to reach pre-pandemic levels by December 31, reports Streetsblog Chicago article.

“According to the CTA, it will hit this target by increasing service on 19 bus routes, with some (not all) additional runs kicking off this Sunday, December 22. The agency credited the improvement to adding more bus drivers to its roster,” the article adds. The agency says it is in the process of having hired over 200 new rail operators and 1,000 new bus operators in 2024.

According to a CTA press release, “Ridership on routes that already received additional service in 2024 were up 14 to 15 percent year-over-year in October, while routes that did not receive service adjustments have also increased, but at a lower rate of 10 percent during the same period.”

Transit advocates praise the announcement, but caution that actual changes may not live up to the proposed frequency.

Friday, December 20, 2024 in Streetsblog Chicago

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