WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

The $1.39 billion budget was the product of a mass transit system trying to balance scarce revenues with substantial increases in ridership.

Ride fares would stay the same under the new CTA budget, but discounted monthly, weekly, three-day, and daily passes could see steep increases. Chicagoans react – mostly with indignance.

The Chicago Transit Board awarded the contract for its biggest reconstruction project Wednesday.

The new 5000-series rail cars will be rolling on the Red Line tracks this week.

Starting Monday November 5, the Wells Street Bridge will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians for a year, as the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) works to reconstruct it.

A new plan for bus-only lanes could make Ashland and Western avenue buses almost as fast as CTA Red Line trains. But local business owners are worried about adding traffic congestion and losing street parking.

Officials clarify options for “bus rapid transit” along a 21-mile stretch linking Howard and 95th streets.