advertisement

---

Service changes implemented by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in June already are helping to boost ridership.

On June 25, CTA began operating trains on an additional route on the 54th/Cermak branch of the Blue Line for a six-month test period. Called the Pink Line, the route connects the former 54th/Cermak branch to Chicago’s downtown Loop via the recently restored Paulina Connector. In August, ridership between the 54th/Cermak and Polk stations rose 9 percent compared with August 2005. In addition, more than half of Pink Line passengers believed trips are faster between the stations, according to a recent rider survey.

In June, CTA also increased service frequency on the Forest Park branch of the Blue Line, especially during off-peak periods and weekends. Ridership on the branch increased 7 percent in August compared with the same 2005 period. And in the recent survey, about half of Forest Park Blue Line passengers said trips are faster.

CTA will continue to monitor the performance of the routes during the six-month trial period and solicit customer feedback on service.