Northeastern Illinois RTA announces over $120,000 for community-focused transit station projects

Credit: Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois has announced over $120,000 in funding for eight Transit Station Activation projects aimed at enhancing public safety and fostering community near Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace stations and stops. These projects have been selected from nearly 20 applicants submitted during the 2024 Community Planning Call for Projects. Each project will receive between $10,000 and $20,000 to organise public events this summer and fall, focusing on creating welcoming environments and addressing public safety concerns.

This initiative follows the RTA Public Transit Safety and Security Summit held in February 2024, where about 80 riders, transit professionals and stakeholders discussed comprehensive solutions to transit safety issues. The RTA’s recently published report from the Summit includes recommendations such as regular crime reporting on transit, forming non-police units for mental health crises, expanding social services partnerships and continuing infrastructure upgrades.

“All riders and frontline workers deserve to feel safe on transit,” said Leanne Redden, RTA Executive Director. “We are excited to announce the projects selected for Transit Station Activations and see these projects come to life, helping make our region’s transit stations and stops feel safer and centring them as hubs in their communities.”

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The selected projects, pending final grant agreements, include enhancements to the Cicero Green Line Station’s projection system by the Chicago Film Archives, a plant-based pop-up festival at 63rd and Cottage Grove by Gardeneers, live cultural performances at the Morse Red Line Station by Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, a cultural celebration at Maywood Station by the Maywood Chamber of Commerce, community events at 79th Street and 147th Street Stations by Metra, family-friendly activities at Joliet Transit Center by Pace, summer evening performances by local bands at Loyola Red Line Station by the Rogers Park Business Alliance and free outdoor yoga sessions along bus routes 36 and 81 by Uptown United.

These projects are part of the ‘Transit is the Answer’ strategic plan, focusing on improving transit system safety and security. The RTA will collaborate with grantees to survey participants and assess the impact of these activations.