The president of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Dorval Carter, Jr., announced the details of the first-ever plan to make Chicago’s public transit system 100 per cent accessible to people with disabilities over the next 20 years.
CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Strategic Plan highlights the proposed projects toi increase accessibility through the modernisation of 42 rail stations that are currently inaccessible by wheelchair.
The plan also details future upgrades or replacements for 162 existing passenger elevators across the rail system.
Currently, all CTA trains and buses are wheelchair accessible and 71 per cent of all CTA rail stations are accessible via elevator or ramp.
Stations made accessible under the new plan also include three stations on Red Line South, Addison (Blue), Wilson (Red), and Quincy (Loop).
In the past year, two additional stations have been made wheelchair accessible following the construction of the Washington/Wabash Loop Elevated station and the reconstruction of the Wilson Red Line. In 2018, crews will wrap up work on the historic Quincy Loop Elevated station which is receiving new elevators and other ADA amenities added.
For the remaining 42 inaccessible CTA stations, modifications proposed under the ASAP Strategic Plan include new elevators, power-operated doors, wheelchair accessible fare gates, braille signage and wayfinding, new or relocated stairways, new or modified emergency egress points, accessible employee facilities and other improvements.
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