Chicago Infill Rail Stations Showing Outsized Benefits in Ridership, TOD

An analysis of infill transit stations built since 2012 along "L" routes in Chicago shows clear increases in ridership and transit oriented development.

1 minute read

September 1, 2015, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Over the past few years, Chicago has invested in three new 'infill' stations located along existing ‘L’ tracks, filling service gaps between stops and expanding access to the transit system," according to an article by Yonah Freemark and Mengwei Sun that credits those infill station with some of the increased ridership on the system as well as new opportunities for transit oriented development.

The CTA opened two infill stations in 2012, according to the article, "one at Morgan Street on the Green and Pink Lines and one at Oakton Street on the Yellow Line." Another station "opened at Cermak Road on the Green Line near the McCormick Place convention center in the South Loop neighborhood."

As Freemark and Sun note, "Morgan Station has been particularly effective in bringing new development to the West Loop and now attracts more than 2,300 daily riders as of March 2015." TheCermak-McCormick Place station, though brand new, has had an immediate impact on ridership. The article digs deeper into the initial data available for analysis in the wake of the new station's opening, on ridership on the "L" line, its effect on nearby bus lines, and its effect on the local real estate market.

Monday, August 17, 2015 in Metropolitan Planning Council - The Connector

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Colorful blocky apartment building facade.

Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software

Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.

April 1 - Stateline

Silver electric BMW car parked in driveway of home in Oakland, California.

Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers

Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.

April 1 - City of Oakland

Sculpture of seated Jane Goodall holding hands with chimp on green lawn.

Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action

Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.

April 1 - Pasadena Star-News