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ardecila Aug 3, 2011 1:48 PM

As far as I can tell, the only "news" at the meeting last night was that CTA now has ~8 million to move forward with the studies of the North Main and the Red extension. I guess before now, they were in a holding pattern and making virtually no progress.

As I mentioned before, there is a cool new branding of the three Red Line projects with neat names and logos. Also, this cool Jules Guerin, Plan of Chicago-like rendering:

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4809/redlinem.jpg

CTA Gray Line Aug 3, 2011 3:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardecila (Post 5367496)
As far as I can tell, the only "news" at the meeting last night was that CTA now has ~8 million to move forward with the studies of the North Main and the Red extension. I guess before now, they were in a holding pattern and making virtually no progress.

As I mentioned before, there is a cool new branding of the three Red Line projects with neat names and logos. Also, this cool Jules Guerin, Plan of Chicago-like rendering:

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4809/redlinem.jpg

When did the South Chicago Branch start running off into Indiana?

emathias Aug 3, 2011 7:08 PM

So are they really going to remove all the stops north of 95th so it can run express straight to the Loop? :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardecila (Post 5367496)
As far as I can tell, the only "news" at the meeting last night was that CTA now has ~8 million to move forward with the studies of the North Main and the Red extension. I guess before now, they were in a holding pattern and making virtually no progress.

As I mentioned before, there is a cool new branding of the three Red Line projects with neat names and logos. Also, this cool Jules Guerin, Plan of Chicago-like rendering:

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4809/redlinem.jpg


orulz Aug 4, 2011 5:25 PM

Did anyone else notice that the above map shows an extension of the ME South Chicago branch to Whiting? Is that planned?

ardecila Aug 5, 2011 4:46 AM

No, it's just incorrect.

I think they meant to show the Amtrak line and somehow connected it into the ME instead of its real route along the Skyway.

CTA Gray Line Aug 5, 2011 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardecila (Post 5369512)
No, it's just incorrect.

I think they meant to show the Amtrak line and somehow connected it into the ME instead of its real route along the Skyway.

All of the other light Blue lines shown are Metra lines (and the South Shore), it doesn't show any (other) Amtrak lines.

I think the diagram was drawn by someone not completely familiar with the systems.

CTA Gray Line Aug 5, 2011 11:53 AM

Metra Board Meeting Friday August 12th
 
Hello all, the next Metra Board Meeting is scheduled for 9am Friday, August
12th, 2011 at Metra Headquarters; 547 W. Jackson Blvd in Downtown Chicago
(SW across from Chicago Union Station).

I will be there to testify as to how when Exec. Dir. Alex Clifford gave his
Presentation recently at the Hearing held by Sen. Sandoval and Rep. Soto
on threatened Metra Fare Increases and Service Cuts, and stated that they
had looked at all possibilities on increasing revenues and reducing costs -
but he left out consideration of some solutions from the community on how
to eliminate some very expensive and wasteful competitive practices, reduce
losses, potentially increase ridership and revenues significantly - and possibly
find a way for Metra for the first time to receive funding from The City of Chicago
for some of Metra's in-city operations.

It would be great if Sen. Sandoval and/or Rep. Soto could attend the Board
Meeting for the Public Comment period at the beginning of the Meeting about 9am,
which would allow them to hear the entire Metra Board addressed about the
CTA Gray Line Proposal, how it would eliminate waste and competition between Metra
and CTA on Chicago's South Side; and for the first time give Metra access to City Funds.

I am working with their Offices to see if they might be able to attend.

They could then later question Metra, and Metra could then explain how
"they AREN'T interested in increasing their revenues in that way".


If any of you can, please attend the Board Meeting and lend your support (or
opposition) to our efforts.

Thanks,

Mike Payne

Nowhereman1280 Aug 5, 2011 2:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTA Gray Line (Post 5369649)
I think the diagram was drawn by someone not completely familiar with the systems.

Either that or they didn't care if it was 100% accurate since no one will be reading this as a map so they took artistic liberties to make the render more dynamic and simple?

Believe it or not, but 99.99% of people are not urbanophiles like us and would never notice or care that there is a slight inaccuracy in an artist's interpretation.

ardecila Aug 5, 2011 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTA Gray Line (Post 5369649)
All of the other light Blue lines shown are Metra lines (and the South Shore), it doesn't show any (other) Amtrak lines.

I think the diagram was drawn by someone not completely familiar with the systems.

There aren't any other Amtrak lines within the boundaries of the map. Just the City of New Orleans/Saluki/Illini and the trains to points east.

CTA Gray Line Aug 5, 2011 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nowhereman1280 (Post 5369747)
Either that or they didn't care if it was 100% accurate since no one will be reading this as a map so they took artistic liberties to make the render more dynamic and simple?

Believe it or not, but 99.99% of people are not urbanophiles like us and would never notice or care that there is a slight inaccuracy in an artist's interpretation.


Sadly, you are exactly right.

CTA Gray Line Aug 10, 2011 5:52 AM

Metra Board Meeting this Friday August 12th
 
Metra - Board of Directors Meeting Calender for 2011:

http://metrarail.com/content/dam/met...lendar2011.pdf


If you can, please attend the Metra Board of Directors Meeting this coming Friday - August 12th at 9am;
they are seeking your input on their recently announced Fare Increases and Service Cuts.

I will be there to submit my ideas on ways to change or improve the situation.

le_brew Aug 13, 2011 7:16 PM

A few years back, I had done a study on the re-use of the traffic tunnels which are under the river @ LaSalle/Wash/VanBuren. I had visualized these tunnels refurbished and integrated into a modern subway and lightrail system, costing less than excavation for new tunnels. The experts I consulted with were not too receptive to the idea in that the old tunnels, according to them, were too far deteriorated for any renewal.

Anyhow, here was my concept:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lbrownj...18884934107282

ardecila Aug 14, 2011 6:51 AM

^^ That's crap. Even refurbishment would be cheaper than digging a whole new set of tunnels.

Also, does this look like a lost cause?

Washington St Tunnel
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/7...progress06.jpg

CTA Gray Line Aug 14, 2011 1:58 PM

Statement to Metra Board of Directors Meeting - August 12, 2011
 
Good Morning Ladies & Gentlemen and Metra Board Members - and Thank You for this opportunity.

My name is Mike Payne, and I am the Author of the CTA Gray Line Project to convert the In-city Metra Electric District services (the South Chicago, Kensington, and Blue Island routes - and a new Hegewisch Shuttle), to a Regional integrated CTA 'L' operation.


When Exec. Dir. Clifford testified recently at Sen. Sandoval & Rep. Soto's Hearing on Fare Increases and Service Cuts, he stated that Metra had researched many options to avoid those cuts or increases.

I have addressed Metra's, CTA & RTA's Boards many times on how the Gray Line would reduce both Agencies Operating Costs by Millions; and create a Huge Increase in Ridership and Revenues.

In their present Operating Format, Metra's Electric District and CTA compete with each other directly - wasting Millions in Fuel, Labor, Power Consumption, and Repairs & Maintenance; like two Wal-Marts right across the street from each other.


I have communicated with Sen. Sandoval's and Rep. Soto's Offices in relation to both Agencies Operating Costs and Major Capital Project Local Funding; and to see if they could find a way to influence Metra and CTA to work towards more Regional Goals, both for their own benefits - and to benefit the People of NE Illinois.

CTA and Metra have many paid Lobbyists in Washington and Springfield seeking funding to implement their Major Capital Projects; I am seeking $200 Million in Capital Funds for a Chicago Area Major Capital Project that would create Thousands of New Jobs and stimulate Economic Development, and I am working more-or-less all by myself.


Next Month, The Regional Transportation Authority and the Chicago Department of Transportation will tentatively hold the second "South Lakefront Corridor Transit Study" Public Meeting - part of which studies the Gray Line proposal.

I would like to invite you Exec. Dir. Clifford - and CTA President Claypool to attend, once a date is set for the Meeting.

Since I harass both Agencies Board Secretaries regularly - Ms. Murphy here at Metra, and Greg Longhini at CTA - they will know immediately when that information is available.

Google Search: CTA Gray Line for detailed information about the Proposal, the Lakefront Corridor Study, and contact information.


Thank you all for your time - and Good Day.

M II A II R II K Aug 14, 2011 8:21 PM

Chicago drafts first-ever master plan for pedestrians


08.12.2011

Read More: http://archpaper.com/news/articles.asp?id=5594

Quote:

Throughout the summer in Chicago, planners have canvassed residents for ideas big and small about what works—and what doesn't—for walkers ambling their way through neighborhoods across the city. The feedback, be it about a corner that floods over following every downpour or fundamental safety concerns walkers face in communities struggling with crime, will inform the Chicago Pedestrian Plan.

- The plan will establish specific goals on safety, pushing for an end to auto-pedestrian fatalities in 10 years, and reduce walker injuries by vehicles by 50 percent every five years. Thirty-four people were killed and 3,130 injured in pedestrian-related crashes in 2009. Both numbers are down from 2005, though the numbers do not trend consistently lower. More people were injured in walker-vehicle wrecks in '08 than '05, for example. The document also is meant to serve as a tool for neighborhood organizations seeking ways to improve local streets and will help set priorities for spending public dollars.

- Kiersten Grove, the Chicago Department of Transportation's pedestrian safety coordinator, said the plan will fit into ongoing departmental efforts to add countdown timers at all city crosswalks, deploy more "leading pedestrian intervals," where a walker gets permission to cross a street while turning vehicles stay behind a red light, and roll out road diets, which see full lanes of traffic removed from the roadway.

- The varied walking experience in different Chicago neighborhoods poses challenges for planners creating a citywide document. "We don't have the same issues across the city," de la Vergne acknowledged. "In Jefferson Park, they have tons of infrastructure issues. Talking in Little Village, we heard lots of issues about crime."

.....



http://archpaper.com/uploads/image/c...dewalks_01.jpg

CTA Gray Line Aug 15, 2011 1:58 PM

Chicago Budget 2012 - Gray Line Idea Submission
 
http://citybudget2012.ideascale.com/...de/31436-15048

emathias Aug 16, 2011 4:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardecila (Post 5378538)
^^ That's crap. Even refurbishment would be cheaper than digging a whole new set of tunnels.

Also, does this look like a lost cause?

Washington St Tunnel
*img edited*

Speaking of the trolley tunnels, Harpers had some interesting illustrations of the LaSalle Street portals from 1890.

I couldn't find other sources, but there are some for sale on eBay (I'm not selling them, and I'm not suggesting you buy them, I'm just pointing out the cool illustrations in the listings):

South Portal

North Portal

Rizzo Aug 16, 2011 4:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M II A II R II K (Post 5378837)
Chicago drafts first-ever master plan for pedestrians


08.12.2011

Read More: http://archpaper.com/news/articles.asp?id=5594






http://archpaper.com/uploads/image/c...dewalks_01.jpg



Road diets sound good. I'm in favor of narrowing Michigan Avenue to just 4 lanes with only busses and trolleys......
---Runs and hides---

ardecila Aug 16, 2011 7:34 AM

Michigan Avenue is fine. North Avenue in the Clybourn area is not.

ardecila Aug 17, 2011 6:13 AM

Quote:

Plan paves way for bus rapid transit system
CTA, Metropolitan Planning Council envision high-speed bus travel around Chicago


http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/5388/64029385.jpg


Interesting. My main issue is that the MPC's proposal is based on the availability of roadspace, so you end up with a ton of BRT on the Southwest Side with relatively little in the dense areas where people might actually realize decent time savings from BRT strategies.

Little thought seems to be given to the possibility of working around CTA's existing plans. For example, the Halsted BRT seems like a huge waste of money when the Red Line Extension will run only 1/2 mile away. Also, the Garfield BRT starts and ends at odd points. It would be a great way to quickly connect the Hyde Park area with Midway Airport (functionally like New York's M60 bus), but it doesn't run to either of those places.

I've maintained that Irving Park is a good candidate for BRT or LRT because of its roadspace (it was ambitiously widened in the 1920s) but also because it has numerous connections to existing rail lines, it runs through dense, economically vibrant areas, and it serves the significant seasonal traffic to Cubs games. The MPC's Irving Park proposal not only does not connect to the high-density lakefront and Wrigleyville, but it doesn't even connect to the Red Line. Unless, of course, they're envisioning the rapid buses on Irving Park continuing on to the lakefront in mixed traffic.

Besides, the jury's still out on whether Emanuel is willing to take the heat for converting auto lanes or parking lanes into full-time bus lanes. The mayor's spokesman, and Claypool, aren't really saying anything.


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