METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Chicago's Scorecard Shows Improved Rail Service

The enhanced scorecard shows continued progress in many areas including rail and bus service, and also reflects the need for more work in other areas.

by Staff
November 10, 2022
Chicago's Scorecard Shows Improved Rail Service

The scorecard will continue to evolve over time to reflect new initiatives introduced in the coming months.

Credit:

DePaul University/Jeff Carrion

2 min to read


The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) issued its latest monthly scorecard tracking the progress the agency is making on initiatives introduced in support of its “Meeting the Moment” Action Plan. The enhanced scorecard shows continued progress in many areas including rail and bus service, and also reflects the need for more work in other areas.

Detailed data included in this scorecard provides riders and the public with transparent analysis of rail service delivery and ridership statistics.

Ad Loading...

Unveiled in August, the “Meeting the Moment: Transforming CTA’s Post-Pandemic Future” Action Plan is a multifaceted investment plan to strengthen the rider experience — more consistent and reliable service, safe rides, clean facilities, modern amenities, dynamic customer engagement tools, and a strong CTA workforce.

Each monthly scorecard shows the latest milestones and achievements related to the Action Plan. The scorecard also measures progress on key performance metrics. Among the results on the November scorecard:

The percentage of service delivered on rail lines continues to increase:

  • In October, 77.2% rail service was delivered, an increase from 71.8% in August this year.

  • In comparison to pre-pandemic service delivery, weekday service since October 23 is at 82.5% (it was 95.4% pre-pandemic), Saturday service at 77.3% (83.9% pre-pandemic) and Sunday service at 77.6% (87.1% pre-pandemic).

  • The Brown, Orange, Green, and Pink Lines are all providing more than 90% of their weekday scheduled service, a significant improvement from previous schedule. Blue Line service continues to see challenges from workforce unavailability, slow zones on the Forest Park branch, and intermittent weekend construction impact.

Instances of customers experiencing long wait times for trains — gaps known as double and triple the scheduled headways—on weekdays has dropped system-wide:

Ad Loading...
  • Triple headways down 61%.

  • Double headways down 45%.

The scorecard also shows continuing gains in ridership, and how the recent pandemic highs are spread across the system, especially on the downtown commuter routes. Compared to 2019, many of the neighborhood bus routes continue to have some of the highest retention of ridership. Additionally, CTA has hired more than 390 bus operators so far this year and will continue to focus on addressing workforce challenges in the coming months.

The scorecard will continue to evolve over time to reflect new initiatives introduced in the coming months. For example, CTA plans to provide a bus route-level analysis of service delivery after the implementation of new bus schedules later this winter.

The plan is the latest effort by CTA to further improve communication and demonstrate the progress it is making to improve the customer experience and address the most pressing challenges brought on by the pandemic.

More Management

Cover photo for A Practical Guide for Selling to Private Equity
MotorcoachApril 3, 2026

How Motorcoach Operators Can Prepare for a Private Equity Sale

Essential strategies to strengthen your business before entering a private equity transaction.

Read More →
A fleet of Caltrain electrified trains on tracks
Railby StaffApril 3, 2026

Funding Gap Could Force Caltrain to Slash Service, Close Stations

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding. 

Read More →
METRO's People Movement with MCI President Rob Marion
Managementby Staff and News ReportsApril 3, 2026

NFI Group Taps New MCI President and More in People Movement

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at Alstom, VIA Metropolitan Transit, Transdev US, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A subway train stopped at the 48th Street platform in Manhattan.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsApril 1, 2026

Manhattan’s Central Business District Travel Climbs to 6.3 Million Daily Trips as Transit Leads Growth

Although volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels, NYMTC’s latest Hub Bound report shows rising transit use, shifting commute patterns, and continued recovery.

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

Breaking Accessibility Barriers with the Low Floor Frontrunner Minibus

Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.

Read More →
An MBTA commuter rail at a station.
Railby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Massachusetts Announces Summer Savings for Commuter Rail Riders

With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A MARTA employee using the new Better Breeze fare ticket machines.
Managementby StaffMarch 30, 2026

Updated: MARTA’s New 'Better Breeze' Fare System Goes Live

The new system introduces tap-to-pay, touchscreen kiosks, and updated Breeze cards, with both old and new systems running through May.

Read More →
ABA Marketplace Report
Motorcoachby StaffMarch 30, 2026

ABA Marketplace Drives $124.9M in Business, New Report Finds

As the American Bus Association marks its 100th year, a new ABA Foundation report highlights the Marketplace’s role as a key revenue engine for the bus and group travel industry.

Read More →
Coach USA, Samsara cover shot
Technologyby Alex RomanMarch 30, 2026

How Coach USA Is Using AI to Prevent Bus Accidents

As motorcoaches navigate increasingly congested urban corridors filled with pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, and distracted drivers, safety leaders across the industry are confronting a growing challenge: visibility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Five different gold commemorative Smart Trip card designs.
Managementby StaffMarch 27, 2026

WMATA Proposes Revised FY2027 Budget as System Marks 50 Years of Service

Updated financial plan reflects ridership growth and cost controls as the Washington region’s transit system celebrates five decades of operations.

Read More →