Chicago's rail stations are looking brighter and more welcoming thanks to the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) recently completed "Refresh & Renew" program. As reported by the transit agency, an ambitious slate of maintenance tasks, cosmetic upgrades, and infrastructure improvements were carried out this year, touching nearly 30 rail stations and 14 bus turnaround areas across the city.
Going into 2023 with a to-do list that included lighting conversions to LED, painting, and various on-the-ground fixes, the CTA crews wrapped up the project ahead of schedule and, notably, without bursting through the $6.5 million set budget. From the busier hubs on the Red and Blue lines to the bustling turnarounds, passengers are set to benefit from an environment that strives for added safety and comfort.
CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr., underscored the importance of the enhancements. "Providing our customers and employees with a safe and comfortable transit environment is at the top of our priorities, and the Refresh & Renew program is a vital tool in helping us deliver on that promise," he said in a statement provided by transitchicago.com. Carter elaborated on the behind-the-scenes efforts to inspect locations thoroughly, carrying out proactively needed repairs and upgrades in one fell swoop.
The itinerary for 2023 included touch-ups to the Red Line's Sox-35th and Howard stations, the Blue Line's Jefferson Park and Logan Square, and several stops on the Green, Brown, and Orange lines, among others. Infrastructure improvements also extended to the Loop Elevated at the Merchandise Mart and Washington/Wells stations. Adding to the stations' spruce-up, CTA's "Goodbye Grime" campaign ensured that each of the 145 rail stations got a power wash every month during warmer months. Aside from these cleaning efforts, concrete repairs and the rectification of unsafe defects, like spalling concrete and broken fencing, were executed with equal zeal.
With stations now boasting better lighting, fresh paint, and various necessary repairs, commuters can expect a more inviting journey as they make their way through Chicago's extensive network of public transit. For further information on this year's Refresh & Renew program's specifics and its impact on the city’s daily travel landscape, visit the CTA’s official website.
