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Chicago Transit plans to overhaul rail stations

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.

September 20, 2011
Chicago Transit plans to overhaul rail stations

Photo of Logan Square station after it underwent improvements, including: power washing of station plaza, interior walls, tunnel walls and ceiling; heavy cleaning of floors and stairs; light fixture cleaning and improvement; installation of additional light fixtures on the subway platform tunnel walls; repainting of station entrances and interior ceilings and railings. Photo courtesy cta web via Flickr.

 

2 min to read


Chicago Transit Authority's Logan Square station before it was overhauled. Photo courtesy cta web via Flickr.

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.

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Photo of Logan Square station after it underwent improvements, including: power washing of station plaza, interior walls, tunnel walls and ceiling; heavy cleaning of floors and stairs; light fixture cleaning and improvement; installation of additional light fixtures on the subway platform tunnel walls; repainting of station entrances and interior ceilings and railings. Photo courtesy cta web via Flickr.  

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.

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