According to the Chicago Tribune, the threatened closure of 15 Brown Line stations during the 5-year overhaul of stations along its line will become a reality, though not exactly as anticipated. Chicagoist breaks down the impact, with stations either closing only on weekends or closed temporarily on weekday and weekends.
Living near the Brown Line's Montrose station (pictured), I have to admit I'm disappointed. What's a relatively dependable means of getting someplace - especially work - will become a non-entity for much of the time, and most likely a frustration the rest of the time.
For those unfamiliar with the project, the goal of the overhaul is to accommodate eight cars on trains over the current limit of six. This entails extending platforms, which is easier said than done, since some extensions require land acquisition (via eminent domain) and building demolition. Also, since the CTA is public, all renovations must meet ADA Guidelines, meaning elevators and additional stairs must be added, entailing even more building demolition that impacts many businesses directly, particularly Beans and Bagels and the Tiny Lounge. The CTA is closing the stations to help pay for the renovations, totaling upwards of $400-500 million, as I recall.
In other CTA news, the Tribune is also reporting that our favorite local public transportation entity will purchase upwards of 700 "New York-style" train cars.
Tribune photo
Currently the cars consist mainly of forward- and backward-facing seats, with two side-by-side on each side of the aisle. This reduces the size of the aisle for those standing and makes it an imposition for the person by the window to exit past another passenger. Also, the only handles for those standing in the aisle is on the back of the seat, a low center of gravity that doesn't help when the train comes to a sudden stop.
NYC-style trains on the other hand, have seats facing the generous aisle, with high bars and straps for those standing to hold onto, a more sensible location for stability. What's most surprising is that this configuration would not eliminate any seats versus the CTA's current configuration.
So this issue is a no-brainer to me, but I wonder how the CTA - an organization that needs to close the above Brown Line stations to save money - can afford these cars, without alienating the riders in the meantime.
No comments:
Post a Comment