The fundamental issue we need to address with both train and bus service at the CTA is one of ridership and resources.
We have seen a steep drop off in usage initially driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, and exacerbated by the serious safety, service and lack of cleanliness issues. To improve ridership, we must have safety, cleanliness and more connectivity to the South and West sides. However, in order to accomplish the goal of being a world class transportation system we need to implement a regional approach.
To this end, we need to convert the non-sworn security patrols into full time Transit Police officers and make significant investments in cleanliness. We also need to take a regional approach to transportation. We currently operate our RTA members (CTA, Metra, Pace) separately. The federal government sees us as competing for funds. We need to truly go to a Regional system to take advantage of economies of scale and larger resources that can help everyone.