As part of its ongoing efforts to promote customer courtesy, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is offering free “Baby on Board” buttons for pregnant riders. The buttons are an extension of the agency’s award-winning courtesy campaign, which is currently displayed throughout the bus and rail system and addresses a variety of topics designed to promote courteous behavior among CTA customers.
The new buttons, which feature the message, “Baby on Board!' Could we please sit down?” are a tool to help improve communication between CTA riders. Not all pregnancies are easily visible, which can make it difficult for other riders to determine whether to offer up their seat. The buttons are intended to make it easier for pregnant riders to seek a seat.
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As part of the pilot program, the free buttons are available through a variety of channels, including online ordering via CTA’s website or picking up at CTA Headquarters.
CTA has also partnered with the OB/GYN practices at several area hospitals, including Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, and Saint Anthony Hospital. The hospitals will serve as button distribution locations for pregnant riders.
CTA promotes courteous behavior via announcements, signs, and a Courtesy Campaign seen on buses, railcars, and digital screens. Developed in-house by CTA staff, the campaign won the American Public Transportation Association’s Grand Award for informational campaign in 2015.
Because rail has high fixed costs and low marginal savings, it is impossible to close the projected FY27 $376M deficit with service cuts and fare increases alone, said agency officials.
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The Renton Transit Center project will relocate and rebuild the Renton Transit Center to better serve the regional Stride S1 line, local King County Metro services, and the future RapidRide I Line.
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