Raunel Urquiza has noticed a decline in ridership on the Westbound Blue Line when he takes the train into the Loop. He has observed fewer people coming in from the west suburbs and the city’s west side in recent months. This decrease in ridership has made him more cautious when riding the train due to safety concerns. Mia Almond, who used to take the Blue Line daily, has also noticed changes and delays in service that have affected her commute.
The slow zones on the Blue Line have been a major factor contributing to the decline in ridership. These slow zones, which make up nearly three-quarters of the Blue Line run to Forest Park, have resulted in longer wait times and service disruptions. The aging tracks and drainage issues along the Eisenhower Expressway have led to these slow zones, impacting the overall reliability of the service.
Efforts are being made to address these issues, such as the CTA’s Forest Park Branch Rebuild project. The project involves replacing tracks and making significant upgrades to improve service on the Blue Line. However, the project is expected to cost billions of dollars and will take time to complete. In the meantime, riders like Urquiza and Almond are left dealing with slower service and longer commutes.
Safety concerns have also played a role in the declining ridership on the Blue Line. Incidents of violent crime on public transit have increased, causing anxiety among passengers. Public transportation experts emphasize the importance of creating a sense of safety for riders, which can be achieved through increased visibility and presence of other passengers.
Transit ambassadors have been proposed as a solution to improve safety and provide support to passengers in need. These unarmed civilian employees would act as a roving help desk on trains and at stations, offering assistance and ensuring the well-being of passengers. By addressing safety concerns and improving service reliability, the Blue Line can work towards rebuilding ridership and restoring confidence among passengers.
