Illinois – Railfanning.org

Chicago to Extend Red Line Railway with $2 Billion in Taxpayer Funds

September 15, 2023 The Center Square

A multi-billion dollar, taxpayer-funded project will extend the Red Line from 95th Street to the Dan Ryan.

FTA Announces More Than $700 Million to Replace Aging Passenger Railcars in Six Systems

May 5, 2023 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the selection of six projects in six states to replace aging passenger railcars.

70 CTA Employees Made More Than $200,000 in 2021

July 20, 2022 The Center Square

A transit employee in Chicago made more than $300,000 in 2021, making him the highest-paid employee for the system.

Federal Funding for Chicago Transit Jumps 5,000% for Operating Expenses

July 7, 2022 The Center Square

The Chicago Transit Authority saw a more than 5,000% increase in federal money for operating funds in 2020, an increase that helped CTA maintain services throughout COVID-19. The bailout by the federal government meant that operating expenses remained flat despite a 60% drop in passenger miles, largely due to the pandemic.

Metra Ridership Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Levels as Expenses Grow

July 7, 2022 The Center Square

Ridership on Metra, the taxpayer-supported commuter train agency that serves Chicago and its suburbs, continued to remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels in 2021 while the agency’s operating expenses continued to grow.

Lawmakers Frustrated Over Blocked Rail Crossings and Late Passenger Trains

June 22, 2022 The Center Square

The head of the Federal Railroad Administration was put on the defensive regarding poor on-time service by Amtrak trains in Illinois that taxpayers subsidize.

Metra Announces Flat Ticket Prices Through 2022

October 28, 2021 The Center Square

Metra announced a new $900 million budget, that restores services on all lines to pre-pandemic levels and keeps ticket prices flat in 2022.

Metra Turns to Wabtec for Equipment Contract

October 22, 2021 Railfanning.org News Wire

Metra, the Chicago area commuter rail system, has tapped Wabtec Corp. to upgrade and modernize the system’s fleet.

Metra Agrees to Buy up to 500 Multilevel Railcars from Alstom

January 15, 2021 Railfanning.org News Wire

About 40 percent of Metra’s current fleet of 840 cars are rated in marginal or poor condition, officials say, adding that the new cars will offer increased reliability and reducing operating costs.

A N.J. Transit train departs from Montvale, N.J. on Feb. 10, 2016.

FTA Announces $9.1 Million for 10 projects in Nine States

October 8, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The money, through the Safety Research and Demonstration and the Bus Operator Compartment programs, supports safety and innovation in the transit industry.