News

All the latest from the Urban Transportation Center

A delay in Illinois act to promote EV

Proposal to Help Illinois Become EV Hub Remains On Hold

A proposal to help Illinois become a hub for the electric vehicle industry remains on hold despite an incentive package signed into law in November by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. In an article…

Interview on challenges facing CTA passengers

Addressing "Ghost" Buses and Passenger Safety on CTA

The COVID-19 pandemic added new challenges to public transit systems, like the Chicago Transit Authority and others around the nation. Public transit ridership was already declining, and transit agencies were compelled to make…

Passengers launch campaign to address CTA schedule challenges

CTA Copes with Irregular Bus and Train Service

A group of Chicago residents who ride Chicago Transit Authority buses and trains have undertaken a communications campaign to raise awareness for an increase in so-called “ghost” service, or instances where a ride…

Metra commuter rail faces ridership challenges

Outlook for Metra Challenging in Post-Pandemic Times

Millions of dollars in federal money is helping Metra, Chicago’s commuter rail network, balance its budget over the next few years. However, the ongoing impact of the pandemic and a continued decline in…

NPR report on cycling safety

Addressing Cyclist Safety in Chicago

The pandemic prompted more Americans to engage in cycling as a form of exercise or a mode to commute to work; one unfortunate aspect of this cycling boom is a dramatic increase in…

News article addresses accessibility on CTA buses and trains

Medill Reports Article on CTA Accessibility

Ridership numbers can be pivotal in whether the Chicago Transit Authority moves forward with renovating a rapid transit station to make it more accessible to people with disabilities. UTC Director Dr. P.S. Sriraj…

Krambles Transportation Scholarship Awards to inspire future public transportation leaders.

Three Honored with Krambles Awards for 2021

A doctoral candidate and master’s candidate from the UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) and a doctoral candidate from the UIC College of Engineering are recipients of the UIC George…

CTA service disruption on Red Purple Brown Lines

CTA Service Disruption March 24

On Thursday March 24, commuters on the CTA Red, Brown and Purple lines were compelled to find an alternate way to get to work following a service disruption during the morning commute. Apparently,…

UTC Fall 2021 Seminar Series

Archived UTC Fall 2021 Seminar Series

The UTC Fall 2021 Seminar Series featured presentations by leaders from Chicago area transportation service bureaus and the Regional Transportation Authority. All events were held on Zoom.  Visit the items below to access recordings and…