Transit Task Force
Co-Chairs: Roger Huff and Gary Ossewaarde
Contact: transit@hydepark.org
The Transit Task Force (TTF) was formed in the 1990s to vet plans for Metra station renovation. It also addressed the largely successful overhaul and upgrade of CTA bus routes on the South Side. The TTF’s current focus includes:
Visit HPKCC’s Resources Page for useful Transit Links.
Community residents interested in receiving updates regarding Transit Task Force activities and transit / mobility - related events and innovations, can sign up here with their request to be added to the TTF Updates e-list.
Metra Electric Advocacy / Improvements and Pilots
METRA ELECTRIC SCHEDULE CHANGES effective May 10, 2021
Metra tweaked the ME Schedule with changes going in effect on Monday, May 10, 2021. Metra will add 4 trains to the weekday and weekend schedules and adjust schedules of 7 other trains to reflect:
changing ridership patterns post-pandemic including adjusting the balance between express and local stop service, and
provide reverse-commute options--to get to new jobs, especially in the south suburbs including a new Amazon Fulfillment Center to open in University Park.
The changes also allow more convenient transfer or direct service between various intermediate stops at various times of day.
The new early morning options and increased service at the soon to be rebuilt 59-60th station may entice more employees of the University of Chicago and its Medical Center to ride the Metra Electric, while eventually providing balanced service to Obama Presidential Center visitors and employees.
The revised schedule also reflects temporary late evening departure changes to accommodate construction of a passenger bridge at 43rd St.
For details, download a PDF of the latest Alternate ME Schedule (effective Monday 5/10). The new runs and trains with changes are highlighted.
It is always prudent to verify the schedule online or via the Ventra App before heading to the station.
Also of interest may be the ME Line Map - it now includes icons showing the position of trains and indication of on-time (green tag) or delayed (red tag)
For more info:
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One Central
While still early in the planning, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Metra and Landmark Development, the developer of the proposed One Central Station project have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding. Streets Blog Chicago and the Chicago Tribune editorial board oppose the project.
On May 10, 2021, WTTW reported that State Rep. Buckner had introduced legislation that, if enacted, would withdraw previously approved state funding.
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$33 million rehab of the 59th and 60th St.-University of Chicago Metra Electric Station announced.
Authorized and in design, the current 59th station and its platforms and headhouses will be completely rebuilt. The project includes re-opening the long-closed and partially dismantled 60th station. The expanded station and amenities will conform to ADA and other modern standards (e.g., elevators at each end). It will become a welcoming presence for the communities of Hyde Park and growing Woodlawn, the soon to be built Obama Presidential Center, and to the University of Chicago's South Campus with its new buildings. Metra, the University, and the state and federal government are funders of the project. Click here to read the HP Herald article.
HPKCC has accepted the invitation of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to participate as a Consulting Party in the FTA's "Section 106 Review" of potential adverse effects on the historic characteristics that make the Midway, Jackson Park, and the Historic Boulevard District eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Successful completion of this process is required to make the project eligible for federal funding. The Transit Task Force will represent the Conference in this process.
Click here for the 61 page Project Description prepared by Metra and distributed by the FTA in early March 2021. It includes a copy of the Metra - University of Chicago Memorandum of Understanding regarding the University's contributions to the project (pdf pg 13), photos of the existing conditions (pdf pg 33) and conceptual design renderings of the proposed improvements (pdf pg 46).
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Fair Transit South Cook Pilot for Metra Electric (ME) and Rock Island (RI) launched January 4, 2021
In October 2020 Metra, PACE and Cook County announced a 3-year pilot project to start in January 2021. The boards of Metra, PACE and Cook County approved final agreements per Cook County 12/17/2020 press release. The 3-year Fair Transit South Cook Pilot (formerly called IMPaCT) reduces ME & RI Full Fares to the Reduced Fare rate (approximately 50% off full fare for the zones travelled). The Reduced Fare tickets are available now from ticket agents, ticket machines and the Ventra app per Cook County 1/4/2021 press release. Not included at this time are METRA-CTA transfers (although it is being explored and negotiated) and a common farecard.
Cook County will provide a subsidy for up to three years to offset loss of revenue from riders shifting from CTA buses to ME & RI. A County-sponsored study showed that overall transit ridership should increase (especially if METRA-CTA transfers are included), the south lakefront and south suburbs will be better served, a major transit desert would be reduced, and congestion and dependence on cars alleviated.
On January 28, 2021, HPKCC and the Transit Task Force held a Community Dialogue on the Fair Transit South Cook Pilot. It featured background information from the Coalition for a Modern Metra Electric, a presentation from representatives from the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, Metra, and Pace, followed by a question and answer session.
For more information on the Fair Transit Pilot, visit: www.cookcountyil.gov/fairtransit.
To join the Fair Transit Pilot mailing list or ask the Fair Transit Team questions at any time, email: FairTransit@CookCountyil.gov.
Achievement of the Fair Transit South Cook Pilot, has been a long-time goal of the TTF and HPKCC as well as many other organizations and public officials. The TTF has been a strong advocate for transformative ideas for the IC / Metra Electric lines for over twenty years under such names as “Gray Line” and “Gold Line.”
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In 2015 TTF and the Conference became founding members of the Coalition for a Modern Metra Electric (CMME) to advocate for:
Increased frequency
CTA-level fares in Chicago
Transferability to / from, and coordinated schedules with, CTA and Pace via the Ventra Card
Cleaner, safer stations on the Metra Electric lines (formerly the "IC").
CMME is a very large coalition of community organizations and officeholders along the Metra Electric lines. CMME held a general meeting in Roseland/Pullman in February 2020 to promote Cook County's pilot project - IMPaCT (Improving Metra, Pace & CTA Together).
CMME generally meets virtually; if interested, email transit@hydepark.org for details.
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For those who commute south, Metra and Amtrak announced in October 2020 a complete inter-accessibility and ADA rebuild of the Homewood Station. Check with the agencies re timetable and changes commuters and travelers will need to make.
For over 20 years the Transit Task Force has represented the community in advocating for and evaluating upgrades and accessibility to our local stations.
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In September 2020, Metra launched a “My Metra” campaign to promote several programs it instituted to address concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic:
The Ridership Dashboard shows the average level of crowding on each train to help riders plan trips, possibly shifting to a less crowded train.
The Cleaning Fact Sheet lists 10 reasons why riders can “commute with confidence.”
Visit the links to ‘check them out.’
CTA Advocacy
The TTF held a listening meeting for residents in November 2019 about complaints and suggestions we’ve heard about the CTA #6 Jeffery Express bus service for Hyde Park and the South Side. Attendees gave specifics about consistent types and times of poor service. One of the meeting attendees made public comment at the November 2019 CTA Board meeting, at which several improvements were announced and promised. It appears that CTA has kept its promises. (see HPKCC’s November 2019 Newsletter). Here is a link to CTA's #6 bus schedule.
In Spring 2020, CTA's Bus Prioritization Project consultant reached out to seek help from HPKCC / TTF with community communications as that project unfolds.
Chicago e-Scooter Share Pilot Program
The Chicago E-Scooter 2020 Share Pilot Program ran from mid-August through mid-December 2020. Three operators deployed stand up, acceleration-assisted scooters nearly city-wide. All three operators deployed their scooters in Hyde Park-Kenwood-Woodlawn. Sidewalks and a few no-use zones, including the Lakefront Trail, were off-limits to e-scooters.
To complete the City’s online "Feedback" form to share your experience or opinion for consideration when the 2020 pilot evaluation is prepared, click here.
For information from the City, including an "FAQ," "Dos and Don’ts" and copies of operator applications and pilot terms and conditions, visit Chicago e-Scooter Share Pilot Program.
A Community Dialogue Forum on E-Scooters was held on Thursday, October 29, 2020. For the video, click here.
To send a question or comment to TTF, e-mail: transit@hydepark.org.
Options for Micro-mobility and Sharing our Streets
The TTF monitors and informs the community about the expanding variety of options being rolled out for Chicagoans to safely get around on the public right of way. Traveling conveniently and safely to transit, work, shopping, appointments, and entertainment - especially to that “last mile” to and from home - are important to us. Already in place or under expansion are “complete” and right-sized streets, sidewalks and intersections; bus prioritization; protected bike lanes; DIVVY bikes (with new options), and now e-scooters.