Performance comments
There are several great comments and questions in response to the performance measure update -- which is exactly why CTA needs a broader public discussion of this data and what it means to our customers. I have asked CTA staff to look into a number of specific concerns, but I am pleased report that the concerns about overcrowded Brown Line trains on Friday and Saturday evenings will be addressed by doubling capacity from the Loop from 2- to 4-car trains. I've asked our staff to continue to monitor ridership levels, but please don't hesitate to weigh in if you think a change is warranted.
I am also well aware that when the Brown Line project is completed, the north Red Line will be the only rail line without a recent major overhaul. It's a big part of our unmet capital needs and a major reason we need a comprehensive, long-term capital plan to bring our system to a state of good repair. However, as I said back in August, we are working to eliminate all of the slow zones on the Red Line. Unfortunately, it takes a slow zone to fix a slow zone -- we can't replace ties and do other structural work while running full-blown service. You will continue to see the effect of those construction slow zones in non-peak hours as we try to get as many north and south Red Line slow zones eliminated before the Belmont and Fullerton station projects get underway.
Please also remember that Red Line and Brown Line trains are scheduled to run as often as every 3 minutes during peak service hours. It should be obvious that even minor service disruptions delays caused by sick passengers, signal problems, or equipment problems will require trains on these lines to stop and wait for signals ahead much more frequently than on lines where trains are spaced much further apart.
I am also well aware that when the Brown Line project is completed, the north Red Line will be the only rail line without a recent major overhaul. It's a big part of our unmet capital needs and a major reason we need a comprehensive, long-term capital plan to bring our system to a state of good repair. However, as I said back in August, we are working to eliminate all of the slow zones on the Red Line. Unfortunately, it takes a slow zone to fix a slow zone -- we can't replace ties and do other structural work while running full-blown service. You will continue to see the effect of those construction slow zones in non-peak hours as we try to get as many north and south Red Line slow zones eliminated before the Belmont and Fullerton station projects get underway.
Please also remember that Red Line and Brown Line trains are scheduled to run as often as every 3 minutes during peak service hours. It should be obvious that even minor service disruptions delays caused by sick passengers, signal problems, or equipment problems will require trains on these lines to stop and wait for signals ahead much more frequently than on lines where trains are spaced much further apart.
posted by Carole Brown | 4/18/2006 05:13:00 PM
