Enhancements to current service include capital and operating improvements that will make the current transit system more efficient, responsive to user needs, and to better serve existing and new transit markets. These enhancements to current service are outlined below. However, it should be recognized that in some cases, such as with the rail system, there may be only limited opportunities for improving services without major capital investments due to infrastructure capacity restraints and freight railroad conflicts. The region’s transit providers continue to explore ways to use the existing fleet in order to expand service, but additional capital and operating funding will be necessary to provide these enhancements.

Service Enhancements

• More reliable service
• More off-peak and weekend service
• Reduced crowding
• Improved seat availability
• New paratransit and dial-a-ride services to meet the needs of disabled and growing aging populations
• Expanded vanpool and ridesharing
  

Examples:

• Phase I of the “J Line” with limited stop bus service and traffic signal priority
• Expanded service hours and weekend service by Pace in the region’s satellite cities
• Additional Metra trains where feasible to serve growing demand
• Increased frequency of service for CTA bus routes in heavy demand corridors
  

Better Commuting Options

• Employer commute incentives
• Connecting with new developments and job centers
• More reverse commute and suburb-to-suburb commute options
• Expanded vanpool and rideshare options
• New technology that provides faster service and customer information
  

Examples:

• New technology for CTA, Metra, and Pace passenger information
• New employer shuttles to connect to Metra and CTA rail stations and Pace transit centers
  

Seamless Transit Services

• Customer-oriented trip planning
• Coordinated schedules
• Better links via improved pedestrian inter-modal connections
• Fully integrated transit hubs
• ntegrated fare technology
  

Examples:

• New technology that supports fully integrated fares for CTA, Metra, and Pace
• Improved pedestrian and non-motorized access to Metra and CTA stations
• New technology for more user friendly trip planning