CTA launches new rider dashboard to plan for crowding, bus capacity amid Chicago reopening
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Transit Authority is continuing its efforts to welcome riders back to trains and buses and promote healthy travel.
As more people start going back to work, the CTA has launched new guidelines and resources the agency hopes will slow the spread of COVID-19.
"Public transit is ready to accommodate customers back to transit. We just need everyone to follow the same good practices they've been following for the last three months," said Brian Steele with the CTA.
New signs will remind riders to cover their faces, avoid crowding and keep their distance. Plus, there are new decals spaced 6-feet apart on the floor near ticket machines and on the platforms.
"People have their mask coverings and everything, they have a layout for social distancing, so it is a little bit safer I feel more secure taking it," said Ryan Cardona, a passenger.
"I think it does help a lot because people have problems touching their face and stuff like that. It's a good reminder, wear your mask, stuff like that," said Bryce McGill, a passenger.
There is also a dashboard on the CTA's website to let passengers know when buses on all 127 routes are too crowded to allow for social distancing. Passengers are encouraged to wait for less crowded buses.
The CTA said the stay at home order caused an overall 80 percent drop in ridership and a shift in when people took public transit.
Since the stay at home order went into effect, the CTA says there has been no typical a.m or p.m. rush hour, which may be the new normal.
"The highest time for ridership right now on most bus and rail routes is the midday hours," Steele said.
The CTA said rigorous cleaning regimens are in place with every rail car cleaned before service, during the day and at the end of the day.
"Our number one goal is to make sure customers know that they have the healthiest, most convenient service available," Steele said.
On Monday, CTA introduced a new Ridership Information Dashboard to help customers better plan their transit trip with features like a bus crowding report, which provides an overview of available capacity for each of CTA's 127 bus routes.
The tool will include information on ridership trends by route and time of day, helping customers to adjust their trips to less-crowded times, when possible.
CTA is working on a similar crowding report for the rail system, which is expected to launch soon.
"People have their mask coverings and everything, they have a layout for social distancing, so it is a little bit safer i feel more secure taking it," said CTA passenger Ryan Cardona.
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New signage and floor decals are being installed at rail stations across the CTA, including circular floor decals on platforms, in elevators and throughout stationhouses, in both English and Spanish. The decals, spaced six feet apart, serve as guide for how far apart customers should stand to ensure proper social distancing.
More information on CTA's efforts throughout the pandemic is available at transitchicago.com/coronavirus.
