Chicago RTA surveys visitors' public transit use; Aurora begins transit improvement plans

The Chicago Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) found in its first "Area Visitors Survey" that nearly 60 percent of visitors from the greater Chicago region use public transportation for at least a part of their trips into the city, while almost half of all other visitors use mass transit while in town.

The survey also found that 35 percent of all non-regional visitors used Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains during their stay. Thirteen percent used Metra while visiting, according to the study.

In August and September of 2014, the RTA polled nearly 3,700 people, including residents from within the six-county Chicago region, as well as those who live outside this area.

"This survey allows us to determine how well our transit system is accommodating those who visit our region and where we can make improvements," said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden.

The Illinois Department of Transportation State Research Grant Fund covered 80 percent of the survey’s $226,336 cost, while the RTA paid for the remaining costs.

Meanwhile, Aurora, Ill., last week announced two transit-related plans it's working on with the RTA. The first of these plans includes measures to improve access to the Aurora Transportation Center by assessing the need for additional sidewalks, paths, crosswalks way-finding signage and bicycle accommodation.

The second plan calls for the creation of a new commuter transit route aimed at improving access to the Route 59 Metra station for residents along Station Boulevard. 

Both projects were selected to receive technical assistance through the RTA's 2015 Community Planning Program.