Highlights include:

1.    The RTA awarded federal and RTA funds to Pace to install concrete pads and connections to accessible paths at 65 Pace bus stops.  This work is complete throughout the region.

2.    The RTA awarded federal funds to the City of Chicago to reimburse taxicab companies for the cost of purchasing wheelchair accessible taxis, or converting existing taxis to accessible taxis. It’s estimated that these funds could result in 133 more accessible cabs in the City.

3.    The RTA awarded federal funds to the CTA to produce guides for customers who are blind or have a vision impairment. The guides, currently being designed, will be produced in Braille, plain text, and audio files.

4.    The RTA awarded federal and RTA funds to Metra to install Visual Information Systems which are now being designed and will provide display signage that lists real-time information about Metra train service and facilitate greater mobility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Additionally, the RTA, along with the CTA, Metra and Pace, is participating in AccessChicago 2014 this Thursday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Navy Pier. This is the City’s premier event that brings more than 100 of Chicagoland’s top disability-related service providers, product merchandisers, assistive technology suppliers and recreational exhibitors together under one roof.  For more information on the event, visit http://tinyurl.com/ngwdncr.

This year, both the CTA and Pace will have buses at the event, so riders can practice boarding buses and using wheelchair securements to become more aware of the accessibility features of the region’s fixed-route system.