The purpose of this study is to utilize an innovative online engagement method to generate high quality and representative input from the public regarding priorities and ideas for the transportation network in Illinois.
Metropolitan Transportation Support Initiative (METSI), National University Rail Center (NURail)
To provide a better understanding of how the Capital Improvement Grant program works, this report traces the origins and history of the evolution of this funding program at the federal level, combined with a review of the program’s administration across different metropolitan areas around the country.
The purpose of this study is to estimate the fare elasticity from the reduction in ADA Special Services Paratransit fare from the present levels (suburban Cook and DuPage $3.00, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Will $2.50, city of Chicago $2.25, and various downstate fares – see Appendix Table B3) to a free fare.
The objective of this study was to produce a research report that provides IDOT with an analysis of the Illinois Maritime Transportation System in order to effectively plan, develop and implement maritime into a comprehensive statewide transportation system.
Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education (CFIRE)
As an exploratory step toward addressing truck parking problems in urban areas, this study analyzed truck parking citation data in Chicago to identify factors that affect concentration of high density of violations.
The UTC team analyzed ridership data prior to and following the implementation of these programs. A survey of Senior Ride Free pass holders was conducted to understand travel behavior changes. Demographic trends in senior populations were used to estimate the potential future impact of the Senior Ride Free Program on transit systems.
The primary result is that there are many sociodemographic variables that exhibit a stronger association with obesity than sprawl. Disadvantaged neighborhoods have the highest BMI levels. In particular neighborhoods with low education levels, low income and high proportions of African Americans and Latinos are most likely to have high BMI levels. Conversely the North Shore communities of Kenilworth, Glencoe and Winnetka have the lowest BMIs. In the city of Chicago the Lincoln Park and Gold Coast areas have the lowest BMIs.
Midwest Regional University Transportation Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison
The proposed research not only builds on the past and ongoing work but also assembles a set of tools based on experiences and best practices in a diverse set of states. To do this researchers drew upon the literature and a survey of practices in each of the state DOTs that will explore, document and synthesize both strategic planning processes and products. With input from an expert advisory panel, the group selected states for detailed analysis.
At the current time, several transit agencies around the country are making use of Bus on Shoulders (BOS) as an operating strategy. Pace Suburban Bus has conducted preliminary feasibility work on this topic and has identified several corridors where such a strategy might relieve congestion in the Chicago metropolitan area. However, a more detailed study is required to evaluate institutional issues related to BOS operations and design in the Chicago metropolitan area and potentially identify facilities where BOS strategies can be implemented.
The state needs to create mechanisms both internally and in collaboration with the freight industry to track and understand what is being developed and introduced and plan for what needs to be done to promote and accommodate the new technology.
Metropolitan Transportation Support Initiative (METSI)
The purpose of this report is to present information and stimulate discussion by focusing on the period since 2000 to assess where growth is occurring in the Chicago area, as well as the scale of the changing dynamics in urban growth. Specifically, we will re-examine our proposition that while sprawl is facilitated by the transportation system, the level of prosperity is a major factor in the degree and pace of sprawl.
Federal Transit Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Community Transportation Association of America
The objective was to synthesize best practices on planning, financial and operating partnerships and models of coordination among stakeholders in employment and human services transportation.
This project undertook a systematic effort to place TTP evaluation on a more professionally recognizable and practically implementable footing. The project was conducted as a two track design in which the first track provided a framework for evaluation while the second undertook basic analysis of existing CPS TTP data.
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
The purpose in creating such a database is to facilitate the coordination of services, to identify potential funding sources for local transportation projects, and to provide information about the transportation services provided by state agencies involved in transportation funding. State agencies such as IDOT, IDHS, and the Department on Aging are providing data for the project.
Researchers set out to demonstrate how selection among different types of station coverage infrastructure may mitigate the loss of ridership due to extreme weather.
The objective of the research is to provide recommendations for the development of a performance measurement system for general freight transportation as well as specifically for maritime freight transportation in Illinois.
Develop a viable ranking methodology and measurement process that will give planners a resource to best allocate funds to be used for projects designed to improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists
Federal Transit Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Community Transportation Association of America
The JARC program was funded by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to support transportation services for low-income people, including those transitioning from public assistance to work. This multi-year UIC project looks at program targeting of JARC funds to states and local government and indicators for outputs such as rides provided as well as outcome measures of riders in the labor market.
