A new Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) station renewal initiative designed to provide a facelift to 100 CTA rail stations over the next 12 months was announced by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and (CTA) President Forrest Claypool.

The initiative, performed by work crews comprised of different trade workers called the "Renew Crew," focuses on providing repairs in a more efficient way, creating a cleaner, brighter and more appealing station that improves the customer travel experience.

Work done at each station will be determined by the station's specific needs and configurations, but can include such work as painting, new lighting, repairs, power washing walls and ceilings, replacing signs and landscaping.

This way, rather than dealing with issues on an as-needed basis, one at a time, the agency can pool its resources and get carpenters, electricians, plumbers, metalworkers and other trades working together to bring a whole station to a renewed state all at once.

This process takes about a week per station and, in addition to regular, ongoing maintenance, the goal is to get to one station per week throughout the year as weather and staffing permits.

CTA has added a dedicated page to its website where customers can learn which station is receiving a renewal in addition to the next stations scheduled each month. The website also will allow customers to provide feedback on the work completed.