CTA logs record rail ridership in 2014

The Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) rail ridership rose 3.9 percent to 238.1 million in 2014 compared with 2013, the agency reported late last week.

The increase in rail usage comes as levels of bus ridership decreased, reflecting a nationwide trend of bus-to-rail migration, CTA officials said in a press release.

"The record demand for rail service continues as the CTA continues to make the unprecedented transit investments initiated by Mayor [Rahm] Emanuel to improve and modernize our system," said CTA President Forrest Claypool. "We've been able to make these extensive improvements while still holding the line on base fares and while adding service to meet demand."

The agency cited its modernization efforts, population growth along certain rail lines and a decrease in slow zones as a few of the foremost reasons for the ridership growth.

CTA's overall ridership fell 2.8 percent to 514.5 million compared with 2013's numbers, however.