This is a special extra edition of Talking Transit to announce public hearings on three important transit topics: the Seniors Ride Free program, the Chicago Pedestrian Plan, and the Jeffery Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit pilot program.

Seniors Ride Free

Recent legislation has changed the Seniors Ride Free program in Illinois. Beginning September 1, free transit rides will only be available to low-income seniors who are registered with the Ill. Dept on Aging's Circuit Breaker program; all other seniors can continue to ride the CTA, Metra and Pace fixed-route services at half price. To learn more about the program changes and timetable, attend one of the RTA’s public hearings on the program or Visit the RTA’s website.

Tuesday, June 7
Chicago Southwest - 10:30 a.m.
National Museum of Mexican Art - West Wing, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago

Cook County North - 4:30 p.m.
Pace Headquarters – Board Room, 550 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights

Wednesday, June 8
Cook County South - 10:30 a.m.
South Suburban Mayors & Managers - Room 1906, 1906 W. 174th St., East Hazel Crest

Cook County West - 4:00 p.m.
Howard Mohr Center - Community Room, 7640 W. Jackson Blvd., Forest Park

Thursday, June 9
DuPage County - 10:00 a.m.
DuPage County Building - Auditorium, 421 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton 

McHenry County - 2:00 p.m.
McHenry Administration Bldg., - 2nd Fl., Conf. Rm. A, 667 Ware Rd., Woodstock 

Monday, June 13
Kane County - 10:30 a.m.
Aurora Police Dept., - Community Room, 1200 E. Indian Trail, Aurora

Tuesday, June 14
Chicago West - 11:00 a.m.
Austin Town Hall - Auditorium, 5610 W. Lake St., Chicago 

Will County - 2:30 p.m.
Joliet City Hall - Council Chambers, 150 W. Jefferson St., Joliet

Thursday, June 16
Lake County - 10:30 a.m.
Waukegan Public Library - Bradbury Room, 128 N. County St., Waukegan

Chicago North - 1:30 p.m.
Levy Senior Center - Linden Room, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston

 

Chicago Pedestrian Plan

One of the best ways to enjoy all Chicago has to offer is on foot. And while the City is a great place for walking and biking, some areas need improvement. The Chicago Dept. of Transportation (CDOT) is currently working on a Pedestrian Plan to make Chicago’s streets more complete for bikers and walkers. Attend an upcoming meeting to give CDOT your ideas or to learn more about the Chicago Pedestrian Plan.  

June 20
Farragut Career Academy
2345 S Christiana Ave, Chicago 

June 22
Copernicus Center
5216 West Lawrence Avenue Chicago

June 29
Kennedy-King College
6301 South Halsted Street, Chicago

July 13
Austin Town Hall
5610 West Lake Street Chicago

July 27
Rainbow Beach Field House
3111 E. 77^th St. Chicago

August 10
Truman College
1145 West Wilson Avenue Chicago

*All meetings are from 6-8 p.m. Special Sessions will be held on August 24 at the Harold Washington Library, from 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m., and online on August 31 from 12-1 p.m.

For more information or to register for the special sessions go to: www.chicagopedestrianplan.org

For more information on MPC’s Placemaking work or pedestrian safety, please visit the Placemaking page on our website.

Jeffery Boulevard Pilot Bus Rapid Transit Program

The Chicago Transit Authority will host two public open houses to provide project updates on a proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) pilot. The CTA was awarded a Federal Transportation Administration grant to implement elements of BRT service following a competitive application process that included other transit agencies across the country.

The scope of the project area is from 103rd/Stony Island to Madison, approximately 16 miles of Jeffery Boulevard. CTA will test transit improvements and enhance service to the #14 Jeffery Express bus route.

The BRT service will give commuters a modern and faster alternative to driving. BRT service features fewer stops, dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal priority capabilities and next bus arrival information.

Residents and community members are invited to learn about the project details and offer feedback to be considered for the final design of the Jeffery BRT Corridor.

The meetings will be held on the following dates:

Wednesday, June 8
Chicago Public Library: Avalon Branch
8148 S. Stony Island Avenue, Chicago
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 9
CTA Headquarters
567 West Lake Street, Chicago
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.