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 CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman speaks at the launch of the Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART). Joining Erin at the event from left to right are John Roberson, Chief Operating Officer of the City of Chicago; Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart; CMAP Board Chair Mayor Gerald Bennett; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle; and to Erin's right are DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy; Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam; Illinois State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado; Darlene Hightower of the Metropolitan Planning Council; Sarah Wetmore of the Civic Federation.
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CMAP delivers Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) to state leaders, charting a strong future for transit
Last week, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) proudly delivered the final Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) at a milestone event hosted in Chicago. The celebration was the culmination of 10 months of rigorous work and included a wide variety of regional leaders who came together to develop the plan.
Transit agencies in northeastern Illinois face a fiscal cliff, with an expected budget shortfall of $730 million in 2026. Big, bold solutions are needed to secure the financial viability of the region’s transit system. PART addresses a variety of timely transit needs, including financial viability and funding, rider experience and accessibility, governance, and community and economic development. PART supports our region’s ON TO 2050 principles of inclusive growth, resilience, and prioritized investment.
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2023 Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment: measuring progress toward zero traffic fatalities
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) recently released the 2023 Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Safety Assessment. The report documents the federally required process of identifying safety trends, policies, and procedures related to safety for vulnerable travelers like pedestrians and bicyclists. The VRU Safety Assessment is also a resource for stakeholders in Illinois to help identify high-priority areas for project selection and safety improvements.
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Looking ahead: safety action plans in northeastern Illinois
The Safe Travel for All Roadmap (STAR) is taking an exciting next step – safety action planning efforts will kick off in early 2024. Six counties in the region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will), as well as the Greater Ashburn community area in Chicago and the Town of Cicero, will develop safety action plans as part of STAR. The plans will identify context-specific strategies to improve roadway safety for all users, particularly for people walking, biking, or using a wheelchair.
STAR is implemented by CMAP and is primarily funded by a $5 million federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant, with substantial financial support from IDOT and partner counties.
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CMAP executive director on reshaping roadway safety to reduce traffic fatalities
In the latest issue of American Infrastructure Magazine, CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman discusses the concerning trends in traffic fatalities in northeastern Illinois and how the STAR program addresses traffic safety. The program is informed by the Safe System Approach, which looks to Vision Zero successes in other countries. This approach reshapes traffic safety priorities around protecting vulnerable road users like pedestrians and bicyclists, and challenges the idea that death is inevitable in our transportation system.
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Chicago Union Station concourse improvement survey
Amtrak is planning for the redesign of the concourse at Chicago’s Union Station and wants to hear from you.
The new concourse design will increase capacity and provide a higher level of service. The renovation will incorporate contemporary thinking around sustainability, inclusivity, and universal design. It will improve safety, reduce congestion, create a customer-friendly passenger flow, improve signage and wayfinding, expand restroom capacity, and create a spacious Amtrak waiting and boarding area –– providing a more welcoming environment for both Amtrak and Metra customers.
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Help shape the Move Illinois plan
Move Illinois, IDOT’s 2024 Long-Range Transportation Plan, will create a strategic roadmap to improve transportation across the state. IDOT is seeking residents’ insights on transportation experiences and challenges to inform the next plan.
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U.S. Department of Transportation seeks input on accessibility of transit facilities
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is seeking input on improving accessibility of transit facilities for people with disabilities. The department is considering whether to amend the accessibility requirements for transportation facilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and seeks suggestions from transportation agencies, municipalities, community members, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders. Focus areas include elevators/escalators, communications, and wayfinding/signage.
Comments are due by January 5, 2024.
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Federal RAISE grant opportunity
USDOT recently announced $1.5 billion in Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant funding available to help state and local governments complete locally and regionally important transportation projects. Recently awarded projects include planning and roadway rehabilitation efforts that improve accessibility and safety.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. EST on February 28, 2024 and selections will be announced no later than June 27, 2024.
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Spread the message about safe, sober driving
The holiday season is merry and bright, but it is also the deadliest season when it comes to drunk driving. Please consider using these marketing toolkits to spread the message about sober driving in your community:
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