Blog
Keep up with the latest news
on Active Trans and topics that
we care about in the region.
The coronavirus pandemic has presented unique challenges for transit agencies across the country. As Chicago and other cities continue to shift into the next phases of reopening, transitioning public transit safely and effectively for riders and operators is a key part of that process. This includes presenting information transparently and consistently, creating user-friendly websites, and using innovative approaches to keeping […]
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Recently, transit service across the Chicago region was shut down in response to protests. This included buses, trains, Divvy bike sharing, and paratransit. Active Transportation Alliance would like to hear your story about how the recent shutdown of CTA, Pace, Metra, paratransit, and Divvy bikes affected you. These stories will help our advocacy efforts to ensure such drastic and harmful […]
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Since March, the Active Trans Bus Organizing Fellows have been conducting online surveys with essential workers from historically marginalized communities who depend on public transit to get to their jobs. The survey examines the demographics of these workers, the condition of the buses, and the speed and reliability of the routes they take. This is one of a series of […]
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Since March, the Active Trans Bus Organizing Fellows have been conducting online surveys with essential workers from historically marginalized communities who depend on public transit to get to their jobs. The survey examines the demographics of these workers, the condition of the buses, and the speed and reliability of the routes they take. This is one of a series of […]
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As Chicago grapples with social unrest and an unprecedented global pandemic, we need reliable transportation options more than ever. But CTA service is suspended again Monday evening. And Metra and Divvy remain out of service. Sign a letter to Mayor Lightfoot and your alderman urging them to restore transit service. We appreciate the unprecedented position Chicago’s leaders are in at […]
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The murders of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others continue to demonstrate our society’s systemic devaluing of Black lives. Safe streets mean so much more than crosswalks and bike lanes. We cannot have mobility justice without racial justice. As we advocate for healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities through walking, biking, and transit, we must […]
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Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a new program to create more space for people walking and biking during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Our Streets initiative “invites Chicago neighborhoods to request that local roads be converted into corridors for improved, safe travel and healthy activity.” This includes designating some residential streets as “shared streets” by adding traffic barriers and limiting through traffic to allow for physically distanced walking and biking. The list […]
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A new group of advocates has joined the Active Transportation Alliance in its quest to push for affordable, speedy, and reliable bus service in Chicago. Armed with a deep commitment to community organizing and public service, Active Trans’ new Bus Organizing Fellows have been working to understand how to improve bus service during the COVID-19 pandemic for essential workers. Since […]
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Amy Rynell joined Active Trans as its new executive director in March. An experienced nonprofit leader with a deep commitment to social justice and human rights, Rynell comes to Active Trans having served in various research and policy roles at Chicago-based Heartland Alliance over the last 22 years, most recently serving as director of research and policy. Amy shared her […]
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Metra recently announced a series of cuts to off-peak service on the Heritage Corridor, SouthWest Service, and North Central Service, as well as cuts to Saturday service system-wide. In response to these cuts and to share thoughts about other pandemic-related Metra policies, Active Trans partnered with Star:Line Chicago in submitting comments to the Metra Board of Directors meeting held this […]
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