As of Sunday, a significant change has occurred within the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) that could disrupt the daily commute of many. The CTA has brought back front-door boarding for buses, ending the temporary policy of free rides. This shift in policy is to ensure accountability and safety for all CTA riders but may come with some inconvenience.
Front-door boarding and fare payment may disrupt the flow of passengers and slow down the boarding process. However, the decision was made to provide a safer and more efficient means of transportation. In March 2020, the CTA began implementing rear-door boarding and a temporary policy of free rides, to discourage passengers from coming into close contact with bus operators. As a result of this policy shift, the front-door farebox was closed, and passengers boarded bus services without paying.
However, with the pandemic evolving, the CTA has decided that this temporary policy shift needed to end. Closing the front-door farebox removed the accountability for fare payments, which presented various safety concerns to the CTA. Operators expressed concern that the free rides would encourage crime and increase potential safety issues, as there would be fewer means of identifying ridership. The policy shift has also allowed the CTA to properly assess the ridership numbers and identify patterns of use, which will inform the improvement and expansion of transit services in the future.
The return of front-door boarding will now require passengers to properly pay fares and re-establish a sense of safety and accountability while taking public transportation. This transition has been implemented following several safety precautions. Signage at the back of the bus encourages social distancing between riders and bus operators, and riders are asked to wear a mask when on board public transportation. The CTA is also providing free masks to riders who need them. Additionally, the CTA modified fares so that riders can pay for their bus trips with their mobile devices and Ventra cards to minimize unnecessary touching of surfaces.
Combined with the new policy of front-door boarding, the CTA has also implemented an initiative called “Bus Priority Zones” aimed at improving service reliability and speed. Bus lanes and other roadway improvements will be made in specific areas to provide buses with priority over regular traffic, making the bus system a more efficient and reliable mode of transportation.
It is vital that passengers and commuters adapt quickly to these new changes in the policy. Failing to comply with the new regulations may lead to a citation, which may become a financial burden. Overall, it is in the best interest of all riders to understand and abide by the CTA’s new policies, as they are essential in providing safe and reliable transportation in the city.
Moving forward, the CTA plans to continue monitoring the number of riders and the impact of front-door boarding on the system. Any changes or improvements needed to the current initiatives will be met with data-driven decisions. The CTA encourages all its riders to take advantage of the Pay-As-You-Go fare structure with a personal account or Ventra Card to ensure a safe and seamless commute.
As part of the CTA’s overall goal to improve transit services, it has introduced a new project called Red and Purple Modernization (RPM). This project aims to improve transit services along the Red and Purple train lines, which may experience high demand during rush hour. This is essential for the CTA as it undertakes a once-in-a-generation investment to modernize the century-old rail system. The RPM project aims to provide faster, more frequent, and reliable train services by maintaining the rail infrastructure and upgrading the signal system to provide more train controls.
The RPM project will entail various phases of construction and improvements. This includes upgrading track and train stations, widening certain stretches of tunnels, and creating a new train yard in order to expand transit services for riders. The project will also install new signaling equipment and upgrade existing ones to provide more train control, reducing the gap between trains and increasing trains’ speed.
Phase One of the RPM project began in the fall of 2019 and is expected to be completed by 2025. Phase One of the project is expected to accomplish many things, including the replacement of existing Red and Purple line tracks with modern tracks, providing updated signaling systems, reconstructing the Lawrence to Bryn Mawr and CTA bridges over Belmont, and creating an expanded and modernized Belmont transfer station.
It should be noted that the RPM project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the US and will require significant construction work, with the potential for disruptions to daily commutes during the construction process. However, the completion of the RPM project will provide more reliable and efficient transit services for years to come, benefiting the city and its residents in the long term.
In conclusion, while the introduction of front-door boarding may come with some level of inconvenience, it is necessary in ensuring the safety of all CTA riders. The implementation of this policy, combined with the Bus Priority Zones initiative, will provide a safer and more efficient mode of transportation for all Chicago residents. Additionally, the RPM project will modernize the century-old rail system, providing more reliable and efficient train services in the long term. It is essential for riders to comply with the current CTA policies and prepare for possible adjustments as the organization continues to monitor and improve its transit services. Together, we can ensure safe and reliable transit services for all.
