CTA Tattler

Yes, there really is a 2009 capital budget for the CTA

Lost among all the news about the CTA fare increase last week is the $3 billion capital budget for 2009-2013 also passed by the board.

The CTA says $2.9 billion of that is "to eliminate slow zones, renew assets, overhaul and replace the fleet, and bring the system to a state of good repair. In addition $40.0 million is programmed for the completion of the Brown Line Capacity Expansion Project, a vital system expansion."

The press release states that the CTA is expecting $300 million from the successor to the Illinois FIRST program. But the CTA doesn't expect to see any cash until 2010. At least they are being realistic about this.

The CTA also is being honest about the lack of progress from the state Legislature on a capital spending budget:

Funding identified in the CIP will only partially meet the CTA’s needs to bring its system into a state of good repair. An estimated $6.8 billion remains unfunded over the five-year period of this CIP. This is due to the continued aging of assets and the lack of a new State capital program. Although a proposed new State funding program is projected to begin in 2010, projects which may be funded with these capital dollars will remain a part of the CTA’s unfunded need until a State program is passed and funds are appropriated.

In addition, to meet the needs of future growth in the region, the CTA will request $4.3 billion for expansion projects such as the Circle Line, and the Red, Orange and Yellow Line extensions. Maintaining the existing bus and rail system is a top priority; however it is also important to improve the connectivity and usefulness of the system by adding strategic connections and line extensions. As the bus and rail system operates more efficiently, the population of the entire Chicago region will benefit.

Board approves fare hikes, with reduced increase on passes

The CTA board thought about it for an extra day and decided Thursday to raise fares on passes by 15% instead of 20%, but went along with Ron Huberman's suggested fare hikes on individual bus and rail rides. And as expected, there will be no service cuts.

For those with a Chicago Card or Plus, the individual bus fare goes up 25 cents to $2, and the rail fare increases 50 cents to $2.25. The 10% bonus for a $20 fill up on the card disappears.

Those paying with a Transit Card will see a similar 25-cent increase on buses, but just a quarter fare hike on trains because they already pay $2. The cash fare on buses goes to $2.25 from $2.

As I noted in my fare-hike analysis last month, the Chicago Card user paying per ride will see a 30% drop in purchasing power -- he'll now get 8.9 rides per $20 come Jan. 1, as opposed to the 12.6 rides he gets now. The Transit Card user sees just an 11% drop in ride purchasing power.

Passes go up 15%, not 20%. The board apparently wants to sell more passes, because it rejected the 20% increase recommended by Huberman and raised the price by about 15% instead. So a monthly pass will now cost $86, not $90 -- an $11 hike over the current $75 price. From the press release:

"Under the revised budget, a 1-Day pass would increase from $5 to $5.75; a 3-Day pass would increase from $12 to $14; a 7-Day pass would go from $20 to $23; and a 30-Day pass would increase from $75 to $86. The current 2-Day and 5-Day passes will be eliminated. University Pass (U-Pass) fares, which are currently $0.70 per day, will increase by 15 percent for the Fall 2009 term."

If you have a Chicago Card/Plus and go to work at least 20 days a month, you are better off buying a monthly pass. It will cost you $90 to pay individual fares 20 days a month, or $4 more than with a monthly pass -- and that's without a transfer. If you transfer, you'll fork over another $10 -- and that's $10 you wouldn't pay with a monthly pass.

If you're enrolled in the CTA's Transit Benefit Fare Program at your work place, and you're in the 25% tax bracket, the $86 monthly pass will actually cost you $55 in after-tax dollars.

Note to MK: So really, why would riders not want to buy the monthly pass with their Chicago Card/Plus? It's cheaper than using the Transit Card for each ride, and your value is protected against loss.

CTA board meeting -- and fare hike vote -- postponed till today

Wednesday was supposed to be the day the CTA board voted on the 2009 budget, which includes fare hikes.

But the board pushed back the meeting by a day because they were concerned they hadn't met the requirement to post the meeting agenda two days in advance.

The meeting notice had been posted two days in advance at the meeting room as required, but not on the Web site. "Because this is an important vote, the Board did not want to risk proceeding if there was a question as to whether the meeting notice requirements were handled properly," said a CTA spokesperson.

Now that was some smart thinking on the part of the board. But it delays the inevitable by just one day.

Missing girl's Dad rides CTA in search. The firefighter father of a missing Chicago teen boarded a Halsted bus Wednesday to talk to passengers and hand out flyers. The girl was on her way to Lincoln Park High School Monday morning on the Halsted bus, reports her girl friend who spoke to her on the phone as Tisha Muentes rode the No. 8 Halsted south from Diversey. Click here for her photo and more details.

UPDATE: Tisha returned home safely late Wednesday night.

Progress report on three-tracking project

Anyone who rides the Red, Brown or Purple Lines between Belmont and Fullerton can probably tell the workers are putting the final touches on Track 1 (far west track) at Fullerton.

The concrete is poured and set on the western part of the southbound platform at Fullerton, and new track is being aligned and calibered. A CTA spokesperson confirmed for me Tuesday that they are aiming to complete the Fullerton portion before Thanksgiving. Belmont is a few weeks behind, but Track 1 should be open by the end of the year at Belmont.

The three-tracking project had originally been scheduled for completion in 2009, but the CTA accelerated the work schedule. The CTA also announced earlier this year "because the project remains within its budget and on schedule the CTA has determined that there are sufficient funds to install two escalators at each station. The escalator installation is scheduled to be completed by December 2009." The plan originally called for providing the space for future installation of the escalators.

The three-tracking project started in April of 2007. It's great to hear it's coming to an early end. And it really hasn't been all the "hellish" for commuters. Now we'll have to see how the schedules are adjusted -- whether/how many trains will be added back in to the rush hour schedule. Also, we'll have to see if people who had sought alternative routes come back and cause more crowding.

Yes, we'll see. And CTA Tattler will be here to report on all developments.

RTA budget hearings, CTA West Side/Pink Line hearing

Suddenly, there's a spate of public hearings.

"The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is holding a second round series of public hearings to discuss the regional mass transit budget for 2009. The hearings will also address the capital investment needs of the regional transit system."

So while the CTA held just one hearing on its budget, its parent the RTA will hold 12 hearings throughout the area, with four in Chicago.

North: Monday, November 17, 2008 – 6:00 p.m. Truman College (Room 1176/Faculty Dining Room), 1145 W. Wilson Ave, Chicago

South: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 – 6:00 p.m. Carter G. Woodson Public Library (Auditorium), 9625 S. Halsted, Chicago

Southwest: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 – 6:00 p.m. National Museum of Mexican Art (2nd Fl. Board Room), 1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago

West: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 – 6:00 p.m. Malcolm X College (2nd fl oor - room 2418), 1900 W. Van Buren, Chicago

West Side/Pink Line public hearing. The CTA is moving closer "to permanently adopt the West Side/West Suburban service enhancements currently operating on an experimental basis." A public hearing on the service changes and subsequent tweaks will be held at 6 pm Thursday, Nov. 13, at the 1oth Police District Station, 3315 W. Ogden Ave.

View the newest details on the service changes here.

Facebook status update required

Cell phone conversation between a 30-ish woman and her female friend:

"Hello! Oh, I don't know. All I know is I got the call last night at midnight six months before I expected it."

"Chris left Allison!"

"No! I haven't had a chance to check Facebook."

"Well, if she didn't have the dog I would fly her out here tomorrow. If we took up a donation, I could fly her out here now."

'Yes, she just needs to be somewhere that's not an emotional landmine."

CTA weekend service changes

The following is the text of the CTA e-Alert for this weekend. You can sign up to get these alerts here.

CTA Weekend Service Changes - November 7 - November 9

The following information is the latest available at the time of posting.

Rail Lines

LOOP ELEVATED

Nov 7 - 10
10pm Fri to 4am Mon
Loop Elevated Reroute: Lake and Wabash Closed

How does this affect my trip?
Brown, Green, Orange and Pink Line trains will be rerouted as follows:

Brown Line: Trains will operate between Kimball and Library, then continue south as Orange Line trains.

Orange Line: Trains will operate between Midway and Washington/Wells, then continue north as Brown Line trains.

Green Line: Trains will operate between Harlem and 63rd via Wells and Van Buren.

Pink Line: Trains will operate between 54th/Cermak and Downtown, operating on the Loop via Wells and Van Buren to Library.

Customers may transfer between the Loop Elevated and Blue and Red Line subways at Library (Loop) and Jackson (Blue or Red lines) stations.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
We are making track improvements to eliminate slow zones and improve rail service on the Lake and Wabash sides of the Loop Elevated.

 

---

BLUE LINE

Nov 7 – 10
9pm Fri to 3am Mon
Bus Substitution Between Harlem and Jefferson
Park Stations

How does this affect my trip?
Shuttle buses replace rail service between Harlem and Jefferson Park.

Trains will operate between O’Hare and Harlem and between Jefferson Park, Downtown and Forest Park.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
We are making track improvements to eliminate slow zones and improve rail service along the Blue Line.

 

---

Nov 7 – 8
11pm Fri to 7am Sat
Boarding Change, Delays Between LaSalle and
Grand

How does this affect my trip?
Board/exit all trains on Forest Park-bound side of the platform at Jackson, Monroe, Washington and Clark/Lake stations.

Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between LaSalle and Grand, resulting in minor delays.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
We are performing track maintenance to ensure trains continue to operate safely along the Blue Line.

Read the continuation or info on more service changes for the Brown, Pink and Red lines, plus bus routes changes.

What effect will Obama's election have on the CTA? Um, not much

Belated congratulations to Chicago's own -- President-elect Barack Obama.

In this space yesterday, Tecki wondered: "What does an Obama presidency mean for public transit in Chicago?" Martha stepped right up with her opinion on a new administration "truly dedicated to reducing energy consumption."

My prediction is that Obama's presidency won't make much of a difference to the CTA -- except that his election cinches the city's Olympics bid. And with that bid will come some federal dollars to improve public transportation to mostly South Side venues. But those dollars would have come regardless of who is president.

But the main thing the CTA needs RIGHT NOW is a large capital spending budget. And that's a state issue, not a federal one. The only way Obama might indirectly impact state capital dollars is possibly who Blago chooses to replace Barack in the U.S. Senate. That appointment could have a boomeranging effect on the state Legislature, especially at top leadership positions.

There certainly are some CTA connections in the Obama camp that could prove me wrong about my prediction of Barack's low impact on the CTA.

CTA Board Chair Carole Brown reportedly is on the list of possible Obama Administration appointees. And Valerie Jarrett, the former CTA chair, was named Wednesday to head Barack's transition team.

Meanwhile, the Sun-Times reports that "Ald. Toni Preckwinkle (4th) wants Obama to make Chicago the Midwest hub of a high-speed rail network and to increase CTA funding."

So, what do you think Obama's impact will be? Am I wrong?

More answers: Red Line station work; rail line extension projects

Here are more answers to questions I didn't get a chance to ask at the last Coffee with Ron. And by the way, the permalinks to the comments where these questions first appeared are now broken since Typepad started paginating the comments. Grrrrrr. . . .

Regarding the next alternative analysis meetings, the web site says they'll be in "fall 2008." Anything more specific? (From CK.)

Open House presentations on the proposed Orange and Yellow Line Extension projects were held on August 19 and 26, respectively. CTA expects to host an Open House presentation on the proposed Red Line Extension before the end of the year. An Open House presentation on the proposed Circle Line is tentatively scheduled for early 2009. No definitive dates have been set. As soon as the dates are established, CTA will notify the public.

The Wilson, Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stops have all been improved, but the signs said all work would be complete by April 2008. Work still continues, but when can we expect it to be complete? Argyle in particular seems badly damaged (although the new canopies are nice) with old rags stuffed in the hole in the wall near the entrance to presumably block further water damage. Also, will the Lawrence stop ever receive a new station or will it always remain a temporary chain link fence structure? (From Chris.)

The station improvement posters that were posted at the stations – that stated April 2008 completion date – have been removed from the stations. These posters were advising customers about the canopy improvements at these stations, which have been completed. The construction taking place at these stations now are projects that include work inside the station houses and additional work on the platform level. The agency expects to be finished with the work by later this fall.

What's the ETA on the auxiliary exit to Polk for the Harrison Red Line stop? (From Kevin.)

The entrance is scheduled to open by the end of the year, featuring improved customer amenities such as a street-entry kiosk, brighter lighting, a new staircase and new signage.

I read there was a hearing to extend the Midway Orange Line to Ford City Mall, which was part of the line's original plan. I would appreciate any information you can relay from that hearing. (From Judee.)

The Orange Line public meeting held on August 19, 2008 was held as part of the Alternatives Analysis process to determine the preferred local alternative for the area. The presentation given at that meeting is posted on the CTA web site.

Feedback gained as a result of the meetings and other analysis will determine if the Orange Line extension is the best possible option. This phase is an early part of the development and funding process.

The Alternatives Analysis phase is just the first of a five step federal process that includes Environmental Impact Statement, Preliminary Engineering, Final Design and Construction. To apply for funding, the five steps of the News Starts process must be completed.  Completing the New Starts process to move to the funding phase is a multiyear endeavor.

Because of the process required to secure funding for projects of this magnitude, it is necessary to plan well in advance for future projects in order to apply for funding.

What about a station on the Paulina Connector at the United Center? Even if it was in use only for games and such, it's almost a no-brainer. I know that capital costs are way out of whack with the slow zone repairs and other expansion plans, but this station along with a 18th Street Green Line station seem very easy. (From JP.)

At this time, there are no capital funds for this project. However, the CTA constantly analyzes its service and looks for the most effective ways to serve communities.

More questions answered: Some CTA job cut details; customer service dissatisfaction

Here are more questions from my series where you ask CTA the questions and I try and get some answers. And please, don't forget to vote today.

I wonder if there was ever any intent to re-extend the East 63rd branch of the Green Line back to Stony Island. Seems like if they're hoping to be putting the Olympics down thattaway it would be nice to link up with Metra there, and such a relatively easily accomplished link too. (From Sabrina.)

Not at this time. Large-scale projects, like extending a route, require a multi-year process and significant capital funding, including securing federal funds.

Of the 80 jobs being cut, how many of them are management (and especially executive) versus how many are people who actually work for a living? (From Rusty.)

CTA plans to eliminate more than 80 administrative positions before the end of the year through a combination of layoffs and cutting vacant positions. Of the 43 jobs eliminated in September, nine were management.

Is there a plan to replace the State/Lake loop station, that thing is dangerous. Same question about the stations along Wabash, you could go from 3 to 2 easily. Those things are beyond dilapidated. (From Paul.)

This is a project that has been discussed by the CTA if capital funds become available.

CTA has a Citizens Advisory Board, but individuals are appointed rather than allowed to apply for membership. . . . New York, Washington, Philadelphia, even Pittsburgh all have some form of riders' advisory board. In each case, these boards have a formal application process, operating structure, mission statements and by-laws. What are the chances that CTA might implement a truly representative riders' advisory board to solicit public input? CTA has an obvious problem with public perception and this might help a tiny little bit. (From Martha.)

As well as being customers, the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) members are regional leaders in government, transportation policy, business development, and community affairs dedicated to transit and CTA’s mission of providing safe, clean, on-time, courteous and efficient public transit for the region.

The Transit Board, CTA staff, and the CAB discuss legislative affairs (including CAB members advocating on behalf of CTA in Springfield regarding operations and capital funding), day-to-day operations (including monitoring the slow-zone mitigation projects, bus bunching, the planned purchase of new rail cars and other service improvements), and more long-term strategic concerns (such as business improvements and customer service changes).

There are additional ways riders can communicate with the CTA. This includes, but is not limited to, the agency’s monthly Board meetings, public hearings, the Mystery Shopper Program and the Chairman's Blog, "Ask Carole".

Not questions, but an expression in frustration and futility: next to Comcast, the CTA is the definition of deplorable, get-nowhere customer "service." They have apathetic attitudes and a do-nothing mindset. Any time I have ever called or emailed for information or to complain, I have been challenged to come up with a solution for my problem - "what do you want me to do about it?" - even though I've given my thoughts on a solution - "I want you to discipline the bus driver who looked straight at a group of people at his stop and gunned it over the bridge without stopping." . . . Clearly, this shows that *I* know how I would resolve my issue, and they don't know how to do it themselves. (From Erin.)

We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced while communicating with CTA customer service representatives. The CTA strives to provide excellent customer service. However, if a customer experiences treatment that they feel is inappropriate or not helpful, they should ask to be connected to a manager or supervisor.

CTA is committed to improving agency standards and customer feedback is key to that effort.