The Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) commitment to making public transportation fully accessible to those with disabilities has been put under the spotlight. As per the CTA's revised All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), plans to make L stops elevator-equipped have been delayed, with upgrades not expected to be completed until nearly 2038. The wait has left many like Printers Row resident Mike Irvin, a wheelchair user, disillusioned. "I was never a fan of the plan in the first place. We just had the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and they’re saying it will be 50 years until we get full accessibility," Irvin told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Despite the CTA's announcement last week, no new elevators have been installed in the first five years of the program, and the estimated cost has soared to $4.9 billion, a 137% increase from the original estimate. The plan's timeline stretches over 20 years, with phases 3 and 4 lacking any allocated funding.
According to WGN TV, Kevin Sullivan, a local with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, has seen little action from the city after reporting inaccessible curbs four years ago. "I’m not sure where that lies on their priority list but apparently it’s not very high," Sullivan said.
In contrast to the slow pace of progress locally, other cities with legacy transit systems are grappling with similar issues. Over 70% of New York City's subway stations remain inaccessible, whereas Chicago boasts 70% station accessibility. The city's efforts were duly noted by Bridget Hayman of Access Living; she praised Chicago's accessibility improvements compared to other cities, illustrating that Chicago's position is more advanced than most.
However, the frequent breakdowns of elevators and overcrowded trains that cannot accommodate wheelchairs highlight the practical difficulties still faced by the disabled community. Sullivan's experience of the Red Line at State and Lake exemplified these issues, with difficulties in even boarding a train due to inaccessibility and full carriages.
Furthermore, these issues extend beyond transport to education, with only about half of Chicago Public Schools being wheelchair accessible. "It always has been a priority. CPS has been very much on the forefront of making sure we serve the needs of a disabled population," Bob Taras, CPS's manager of the capital and facilities program, told WGN.
