Prentice Butler - ✅ CTAction Endorsement

prentice4ward.vote

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

Our public transit system is vital to the lives of Chicagoans, including in the 4th Ward. We use our public transit system to go to school, the grocery store, to visit loved ones, and go to our jobs. I am committed to strengthening the CTA.

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

The extension of the Red Line from 95th to 130th is a major improvement to that network, which will be beneficial to South Chicago residents. However, safety needs to be drastically improved, so that we can raise ridership and give people the peace of mind that they can utilize our public transit network to accomplish every task they could with a car. 

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

Yes, I do. The decisions the are made in the transportation committee affect the community I have been working to improve for the last 11+ years. 

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

A commuter should not have the wait more than 15 minutes for a bus. Ideally they would not have to wait more than 10 minutes. 

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

Public safety on buses and trains is the number one issue in my ward. We must improve safety on public transportation. 

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

I envision a transit system and a city that are safe, clean, affordable and accountable. 

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

The return to service plan has many commendable elements; including lowering fares. The inclusion of federal funding to close the budget gap is the proper allocation of those funds. It he planned capital projects and the proposed investments in infrastructure will positively impact ridership and service. 

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

The CTA needs proper funding. There is no reason why, compared to public transit systems in cities similar to Chicago, the CTA should second to any other. 

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

Leadership must be accountable to its constituents. 

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

In the 4th Ward, we have found that advisory councils are an extremely productive method of communicating with constituents and residents. 

Martina “Tina” Hone - ✔️ CTAction Transit Policy Approved

hone5thward.com

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

A few times a month, when I go downtown. It’s the most efficient and economical way to get downtown. I bought my condo because ithe number 6 stops almost right in front of it.

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

The ghost bus issue is real. And when it’s bitter cold, having to wait is very difficult. We need reliable information on when buses are coming. We also need more buses generally. Our buses from downtown are too crowded. It’s not fair. 147s going north are never crowded like number 6’s and J14s. 

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

I would consider it. 

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

During rush hour, 5 minutes especially for express buses like the 6 and J14 that get 5th Ward residents downtown for work or home after work. 

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

Unreliability of the main buses downtown - the number 6, J14 and 28. Crowdedness of the buses. Safety on the buses. We also have very risky streets. There is so much speeding and reckless driving you’re scared walking to the bus and waiting for it. 

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

First and foremost - equity. I need everyone in the city to have equitable access to transit. We have excellent routing. Question is frequency. We need th trains, buses and stations to be clean. And they need yo be safe. I grew up relying on the ”green limousine” and the “Lake Dan Ryan” train. When I lived away from the city I would brag about Chicago Transit and how we could get anywhere in the city in the CTA within an hour. I want this to be true again! 

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

Res ipsa loquiter. The thing speaks for itself. It’s not doing well. 

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

The CTA crisis is a staffing issue. It cannot get back to top service levels without being fully staffed. It also needs to figure out how to be sure more substitute drivers are ready for those routes - mainly on the SouthSide - that have inordinately high absenteeism. I think we have to do something to make people want to work as bus drivers. It’s not about the money. People don’t want to do these jobs now. They feel like they’re dangerous. And they don’t feel appreciated. We have to make people proud to be bus drivers and train operators. Make them feel invaluable to the fabric of our city. 

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

Yes. And also need to look at Board members. 

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

I think the CTA app is an effective tool. But it needs to be “manned” and schedules need to be accurate. I also think CTA should release monthly service reports that help us understand whether the system is working equitably across the city. As a south sider, I am not convinced resources are equitably distributed to meet our needs. 

Desmon Yancy - ✔️ CTAction Transit Policy Approved

yancyforthe5th.com 

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

I ride about 2-3x a month. I stay off south Jeffery so the J-14 is the bus I use to travel downtown. 

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

We first must acknowledge that the Covid-19 pandemic changed the world drastically — causing many to make instrumental shifts in their decisions regarding daily modes of transportation. The shifts that people may have experienced, such as an increase in hybrid and remote work schedules and people abstaining from public transportation in order to take precautions against Covid-19, have certainly contributed to CTA’s overall ridership level. Considering that, we should account for the fact that ridership may not return to pre-Covid levels for many years to come as Covid cases begin to rise again. However, as a CTA passenger and South Sider, I know that many of my community members have not had the luxury of abstaining from public transportation. The lack of reliability and safety concerns continue to play key roles in decreasing CTA’s performance and ridership. That said, as alderman, I will work with CTA, the Chicago Department of Transportation, city officials, and community members to analyze, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the preventable hurdles that are negatively impacting CTA’s ridership and performance. I will prioritize my efforts by conducting transparent and accessible community-focused forums regarding CTA. Our efforts in improving CTA’s performance and ridership must result in collective solutions that prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of CTA frontline workers and passengers with a focus on increasing reliability, transparency, and access to safe and quality CTA routes throughout the city. 

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

YES 

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

20min weekday/30min weekend 

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

Unreliable transit service is a critical issue that I have witnessed in my ward, especially during the winter months. Community members find themselves waiting beyond the provided transit schedules. I am committed to working with CTA and city officials to improve the reliability of CTA particularly through increasing active and transparent communication with passengers regarding transit movement. 

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

All commuters of Chicago deserve to have access to quality and accessible transit services regardless of the neighborhood they live in. The transit system in my ward and throughout Chicago should be identical. I envision a transit system that practices transparent communication and collaborates with passengers and transit workers on a daily basis resembling a service that is reliable, readily accessible, efficient, and safe. 

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

Not at all. 

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

The CTA needs to incorporate a collaborative plan in coalition with city officials, the Chicago Department of Transportation, passengers, and CTA workers. CTA is not receiving an influx of CTA frontline workers which has led to countless delays. CTA has to invest in its workforce which would increase reliability and thus overall ridership and performance. 

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

Dorval Carter has to be terminated immediately. 

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

We all know that the CTA will not become perfect overnight. However, as I mentioned earlier, a collaborative effort that prioritizes CTA frontline workers and commuters is necessary. Additionally, the CTA has to implement methods that will increase reliability regarding the movement of CTA vehicles, particularly through live trackers and schedules that are accessible on smartphones and adjacent to CTA transit routes. The CTA must be willing to invest in and improve their working conditions if their overall performance level is expected to increase. Workers are just as important as passengers and they must be treated with respect and work in fair working environments. Lastly, CTA must equally invest in transit lines throughout Chicago regardless of the neighborhood. Chicagoans and visitors deserve to have access to reliable, transparent, receptive, and quality transit services in every Chicago neighborhood. 

William Hall

williamhallfor6.com 

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

Depending upon my work load, at least twice a month. I use public transportation because it is convenient and cost efficient when traveling to and from the airports. 

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

For my constituents making sure that all lights are working at the station throughout the night and early morning commute. Secondly, each station needs to have elevators and escalators working, and when there is an outage, timely repairs are needed. Lastly, the absence of police and/or security guards has open the floodgates for crime to occur. There has to be a better plan for security presence on public transit. If my constituents are taken care of, I will be satisfied. 

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

If selected I will be grateful. 

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

5-9mins

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

Safety

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

For my ward, I look forward to new development on the east side of 95th street. In addition to that, I look forward to the 69th train stop getting a makeover. Lastly for those who use the bus, better digital displays are needed to update riders on the location of their bus. For the city as a whole, continuing to upgrade equipment and stations is key to a smoother ride. 

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

Yes. 

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

Succession Plan 1) Better safety plan. Currently people are afraid to ride public transportation, and when ridership goes down, so does the funding. 2) Increase career recruitment in high schools. 3) Make transit FREE on certain days and times.

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

No comment.

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

Host listening sessions in the community churches, block club meetings, and work with community leaders. 

No responses received. No endorsement.

No responses received. No endorsement.

No responses received. No endorsement.

Creative Scott - ✅ CTAction Endorsement

http://www.creative24ward.com

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

I last rode the Blue Line nearly 3 years ago. I ride the train and bus when it makes sense, especially when traveling downtown which would cost more money.

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

I am looking to explore ways in which we can add more bus shelters throughout the ward with an implemented security feature. Currently North Lawndale is home to one of the largest senior populations in this city, I would consider this something that seniors could use if they may find themselves in need. 

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

I am interested because I see the intersection between public transportation and public safety.

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

Adequate time to wait is no longer than 10 minutes.

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

I believe one of the most critical issues in our ward is pedestrian/traffic safety and bus/train schedule reliability. It is imperative that we survey riders who know what is best needed and allow them to be part of the process of making their riding experience the best possible. In areas that exceed speed limits of motor vehicles 25 mph or more, we should be considering proximity to street curbs etc. Currently, on Ogden Avenue riders are waiting for buses on the outer part of the street where there are no bus shelters. This should be moved onto the inner street so our 24th ward residents and other passengers are safely awaiting for their buses. I suggest a more accurate and reliable schedule be provided to its passengers and the city at large. 

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

The transit vision for our ward is to create a safer experience for our residents, which include; better lighting, quick access to emergency services by the press of a button as well as an area that provides shelter while you wait. For the city as whole, implementing the emergency button such as the one you see on the CTA train platform would bring a sense of peace knowing that help is a call away. 

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

While I understand there is a workforce shortage, I believe there is always room for improvement when it comes to our Chicago residents.

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

The CTA’s top priority should be transparency on transit cuts and reliability for their ridership. 

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

Just like the 24th ward needs a change in leadership, it might be time to get new leadership at CTA. 

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

The CTA needs people on the ground to advocate for people in more vulnerable routes of the city. A strategy to better fully implement their five key pillars.

Monique Scott

/no website/

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

I don't use public transportation often.

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

I am fortunate to have several main streets bus routes such as Roosevelt, Pulaski, Kedzie, Cicero. I have the Blue and pink Line in the 24th Ward all are accessible to riders.

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

I Currently sit on the Committee on Transportation and Public way.

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

4-6 minutes.

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

Safety and affordability.

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

My vision for both my ward and the city would be sharing the responsibility of improving traffic/Public safety with police, community members and other partners. 

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

To ensure that CTA meets that demand, the agency will need to continues an aggressive, comprehensive recruitment program to address the biggest issue impacting service by attracting and retaining workers, especially frontline workers like bus and rail operators.

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

Investment in transit infrastructure has always been an investment for a strong future for the City of Chicago. 

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

We've seen decline of ridership and a rise in crime on the CTA. My community wants and expect safe and reliable service. If that requires new leadership, I am in support of safeguarding my community.

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

To further understand the quality of CTA service and look for opportunities to make it even better, CTA must extensively monitor and keep track of their performance and quality of service. TO provide riders with better service, and as part of the effort, CTA gives tools to find the best way to get you going where you need to go, such as Bus Tracker and Train. 

No responses received. No endorsement.

Ruth Cruz - ✅ CTAction Endorsement

https://www.ruthcruzfor30.com

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

I rode a bus and train for many years as part of my daily commute. Now, I ride the bus or a train infrequently. The CTA is different from what it used to be; there needs to be more schedule consistency, clean stations or trains, customer service, and safety. However, we have the opportunity to make things better!

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

CTA needs a dedicated security detail on the trains to deter crime occurring on the trains and platforms, and to put an end to the third-party contracted cleaning services tasked with keeping our buses and trains clean. Privatization of public services ultimately leads to a focus on cost-savings for the company with the contract at the expense of the services provided. 

Looking for a home run swing, Chicago’s Northwest Side needs to see a substantial rail line expansion on the scope and scale of the Red Line Extension on the Far South Side. I would like to see the Brown line extended west to the Jefferson Park transit station. Ridership would increase substantially along the extended Brown Line, serving tens of thousands of residents, and providing commuters with an alternative means to get across the north side of the city. 

Chicago needs another North-South line. To expand on the proposal to extend the Brown Line to Jefferson Park, putting a major line with stops at all arterial streets, and provides transfer points from the O’Hare Blue & Brown lines to the Green, Orange, Pink, and the Forest Park Blue line underground via Cicero Avenue. 

We need much better public transit in the ward. We have buses, but no train route to connect to the rest of the city. How can we expect to grow our ward and small businesses if the rest of Chicago can only access our community by car?

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

Yes. 

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

10 minutes is the longest a commuter should have to wait, and they should be able to leverage 21st century technology to be able to reliably track buses to help with travel planning. 

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

Rider safety. The CTA can and MUST provide residents an expectation that they will get from point A to B safely. It is by far the most common reason residents tell me that they don’t ride the bus or train if they are alone. 

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

Updating decaying infrastructure. Rider safety isn’t just about ensuring that riders are able to get on the train or bus without fear of theft, assault, or robbery. We must make sure we are investing in repairing our aging infrastructure, not deferring maintenance. 

We must also make transportation reliable and accessible across the city – not just certain desirable areas. We must be able to transform our public transportation system that people are excited to use and feel safe to ride, not experiencing a commute that is dirty, delayed, and dangerous.

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

No. Bus and train tracker times are suggestions, not definitives and that has to change. CTA has not done enough to attract new candidates to fill driver and conductor vacancies, and needs to be willing to offer better pay and incentives to ensure all train and bus routes are adequately staffed 

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

We need to talk not only to the citizens who take public transit everyday but to the people who don’t. We need to hear and listen to their needs for public transportation, as they can show us what our transportation systems are missing. 

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

Yes! And hold CTA accountable, damage transparency with their plans, timelines, progress and results.

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

Most importantly, listen to the commuters. 

Jessica Gutiérrez

jessica2023.com 

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

The CTA bus and rail are a regular part of my transportation choices. I look forward to riding the Blue Line to city hall on a regular basis.

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

Residents of the west end of the 30th ward rely on bus service as the most dominant form of public transit. Jump Buses should be looked at as ways to increase reliability and consistency of service. Long term plans to extend relevant rail lines, like the expansion of the Red Line on the southside, should be studied now to determine the scope and funding options that would be needed to better serve the residents of the ward. My Plan: Transparency is the starting point. I will introduce a council order that the CTA President appear before the City Council on a quarterly basis. CTA leadership has to be held publicly accountable. Security must be top priority so riders feel confident they can arrive at their destination safely. Increase K9 patrols and install security cameras where needed. Increase recruitment of drivers and staff to ensure bus and train schedules are consistent and reliable. Commission and publish a ten year infrastructure plan for expanding service to underserved communities. Produce a feasibility study on expansion of the Green line into South Shore and South Chicago neighborhoods. Commission TOD Studies like the one currently underway for Lawrence and Kedzie across the entire system. 

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

I would consider it an honor to serve on the transportation committee. 

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

Commuters should not wait more than 15 mins.

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

Reliability and safety.

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

As shown in a recent capacity study all lines outside of the central business district are underutilized. The study also shows all lines on the west and south sides are opportunities for TOD. I would also consider the Blue line from Montrose to Cumberland to be areas that TOD should be encouraged. Around the Jefferson Park Transit Center there are multiple empty parcels that would be perfect TOD sites. Increasing density along major bus routes and rail lines will increase economic activity and utilize existing excess capacity. 

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

While every major city is dealing with the turmoil that the pandemic has caused, CTA has not recovered as it has promised. 

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

CTA must increase recruitment of drivers, mechanics, security and management personnel to keep up with its service commitments. Long term, funding must be allocated to address capacity issues and expansion to underserved areas of the south and west sides. 

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

Yes

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

1. Quarterly reporting to the city council by the CTA president 2. A new pact must be forged with commuters and the next leadership team that resets the bonds of trust through a rider's bill of rights 3. Establish an ad hoc Commuter Council to enlist the voices of riders into the operational feedback loop 4. Establish a public structure to honor CTA staff that go above and beyond to enhance the commuter experience

Gilbert "Gil" Villegas - ✅ CTAction Endorsement

gilbertforchicago.com 

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

I ride the CTA frequently. Whether it’s going to work or when I would bring my kids to Navy Pier, downtown, etc. the CTA was and is a large part of how I get around when I want to avoid using my vehicle. Public transportation not only acts as a great way to travel throughout the city and avoid car traffic but helps reduce our carbon footprint throughout the city.

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

The shrinkage of CTA ridership is a tremendous problem that requires all of our partners at the state and federal levels to address. We have to have a robust safety investment of cameras and personnel so that riders feel safe and secure using the system. Furthermore, transitioning our fleet to clean energy will save money and communicate to the public that we’re a clean energy transportation option they can use. Finally, we have to revamp our transportation tracking systems so that riders can have dependable, predictable service.

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

I am comfortable working with my colleagues on the committee, but I think my role on the Committee on Economic, Capital, and Technology Development is a very important one that can play a vital role in making transportation better across the City of Chicago. 

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

I believe a Chicago commuter should be able to rely on the bus and plan for their day knowing they will get picked up at their designated pick-up time. However, we do have to keep in mind accidents and mechanical issues that can put buses further behind in their schedule. Regardless, our bus system needs to have stronger planning for times like these so that replacement buses and drivers can be sent out to continue the planned route. 10-15 minutes should be the maximum time to wait for a bus. 

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

Like many other low-income and ethnically diverse communities, parts of my ward are located further from the downtown area and lack accessible transportation services. An expansion into these neighborhoods, especially in South and West neighborhoods, can provide easy access for all residents across the city to reach these areas and work to integrate these communities. These services can also reach low-income neighborhoods where these cheaper and more environmentally-friendly transport alternatives are needed most.

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

Similar to my vision for my ward, I support a plan that encompasses a sustainable and accessible transit system. This would include an expanded and electric CTA and bus system that commuters can rely on. I would also establish additional bus and bike lanes throughout the city, not just the downtown area, to speed up bus transit and allow bikers a safe spot to ride on the street.

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

No. The health of the Chicago Transit Authority is one of the greatest challenges facing the City of Chicago presently given the loss of ridership. The post-pandemic environment is very challenging and it will require a true partnership with the State of Illinois and federal government to solve. We have to restore trust and that requires an investment in cameras and personnel so that riders feel safe and secure using the system, as well as accountable technology that allows commuters to rely on CTA schedules.

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

Chicago is the economic engine of the State of Illinois and more regional recognition of this and commitment have to be part of our success. This includes funding from Springfield as well as cooperation and coordination on infrastructure. 

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

The CTA’s leadership has a tough set of challenges in front of them and if they are not up to it, then there will be change.

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

Commuters have been unhappy with the CTA system for years and it’s time they are heard in a way the CTA can properly and officially respond. This can be done by publishing Ventra app enhancements, allowing commuters to easily and regularly report issues or delays in real-time and voice general concerns such as inaccessibility in specific neighborhoods. 

Leonor "Lori" Torres Whitt - ✔️ CTAction Transit Policy Approved

torresfor36.com 

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

My kids regularly take CTA to get to school and sports practices, so the service reliability issue has been a major concern in our family. During warmer months, our family takes recreational bike rides, and we understand firsthand the need for safer bike infrastructure.

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

Grand Avenue serves as the 8-mile backbone of the new 36th Ward, and has the most stops of any other bus line in the ward. I would like to explore the possibility of a dedicated bus lane on Grand Avenue through the 36th Ward. This would allow for buses to travel at faster speeds, especially given how wide Grand avenue is in many places. I’d also like to revive and complete the Western Ave BRT that were shelved under the Rahm Emanuel administration. Under a Democratic administration, we have an opportunity to seek federal funding for these projects. In regards to reliability, the lack of reliable bus and train service recently has been largely due to short staffing at CTA. There are hundreds of vacancies at the moment, and to that end I’m glad to see the CTA offering hiring bonuses for new mechanics and drivers, as well as hosting career fairs. As Alderperson, I would work to bring these Career Fairs to the ward so that ward residents have access to good-paying transportation jobs, while also increasing the capacity of CTA to deploy more buses and trains. I am pleased that President Dorval Carter has committed to meeting with City Council quarterly to report on improvements, and I would hope to see this continue into the next City Council term. Chicago residents rely on the CTA to get to work, school, and general travel, and our world-class city deserves a world-class public transit system.

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

Yes, I would like to explore serving on this committee once elected.

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

10 minutes

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

Reliability of CTA by far has negatively impacted the 36th Ward residents' ability to get to work, school, and social activities and other commitments. Improving reliability is a top priority for me, and my solutions are outlined in my response to the question "What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?"

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

I envision a 36th Ward that pursues all solutions we can work on within our ward, but reimagining transit in our city will require collaboration across (and funding from) City Council, the county board, the state legislature, and the federal government. That’s why I’m proud to be endorsed by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, State Senator Omar Aquino, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas, State Representative Lilian Jimenez, and Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel Quezada. I view this coalition as a group to collaborate with to understand how we can bring improved transit infrastructure by coordinating across city, county, state, and federal governments. As a community activist and active union member, I know how to pull together coalitions to fight for the resources our communities need to thrive.

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

I am pleased to see President Dorval Carter committing to quarterly meetings with City Council to report on progress in returning to their service plan, but there is still much room for improvement, especially as commuters currently face waiting outdoors in sub-zero temperatures. CTA has been hosting several career fairs to recruit more operators, conductors, and mechanics, and I am committed to holding them accountable on these hiring and retention efforts. 

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

There is a citywide hiring gap for public sector jobs, including nurses, emergency responders, teachers and school staff, and CTA staff. As a union member, I would also view the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Locals #241 and #308 as partners in understanding what we can do to promote careers as operators. CTA must continue to provide competitive pay and benefits to encourage new operators to sign on, and the city must provide the funding available to do so (with accountability measures in place to guarantee these funds are going towards recruitment).

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

Once elected, I am committed to meeting with my colleagues in City Council to understand more intimately how CTA leadership is working and delivering (or not delivering). Once elected, I will work with transportation advocacy organizations to receive their feedback on what solutions can be advanced to resolve the CTA's current challenges.

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

As mentioned previously, we need to work across all levels of government--city, county, state, and federal--to secure the funding and resources needed for the CTA to thrive. This is especially the case understanding that Chicagoans are not the only ones who rely on the CTA--suburban residents and tourists do as well, which reaffirms the need for multiple sources of collaboration. We have a unique opportunity under a Democratic presidential administration and Senate to pursue federal funding for CTA projects, such as the recent millions of dollars secured to make the Belmont Blue Line station ADA-accessible. 

Timmy Knudsen

knudsenfor43.com 

How often do you ride the CTA? When and why do you personally use public transit?

I use the CTA, both bus and trains multiple times a week. I use public transit all year long to both help the environment, and quite frankly, for the ease of commuting in terms of speed and ability to travel without the hassles of a car.

What improvements or developments would make it easier for you and your constituents to ride the CTA?

As a proud CTA rider myself, bringing back our city’s award-winning transit system is a major priority. The CTA is what connects us, creates job opportunities, boosts business revenues, and makes the gifts of different parts of the city accessible for all. In my second month on City Council, I co-sponsored a resolution to ensure the President of the CTA regularly appears before City Council. This ordinance proposed a quarterly meeting requirement, and its introduction pressured the administration and CTA President to agree to appearing for a special City Council hearing bi-annually. As we work to improve the CTA and invest in the CTA system further (such as the recent extension of the Red Line and modernization of the Brown Line), it is essential that its leaders show up at the table to provide vital information, engage with City Council, and hear the concerns of constituents from every neighborhood. I will continue to hold leadership accountable and work with both the Mayor and Governor to ensure public transportation experts are appointed to the CTA Board. A comprehensive revitalization to the CTA requires increased hiring, security, and innovation. On hiring, we must all acknowledge that the on-the-ground team at CTA are front-line workers that we celebrated during the pandemic. That once-in-a-generation global crisis caused an incredible amount of stress, and eventually, a loss of employees. We must continue increased hiring and retention initiatives while improving job quality through improved benefits, stronger worker-management relations, and more holistic training. On security, we need to increase the police presence across the CTA system in a non-threatening way (such as non-uniformed officers and unarmed security guards). The creation of a dedicated transit district between CTA and the Chicago Police Department could streamline the unique task of monitoring the CTA. Finally, on modernization, until we sustain the staffing metrics required to achieve the outdated train and bus schedule (which is the root cause of many of the ghost rides), we need to move to real-time tracking. As the city government as a whole continues to modernize (and frankly catch up with the times), the CTA must do the same. Like the city as a whole, I believe that the CTA’s greatest days are ahead of us. 

Do you have any interest in sitting on the City Council transportation committee?

Yes

How long is it acceptable for a Chicago commuter to spend waiting for the bus (in minutes)?

Bus and trains should arrive at the designated locations within 3 minutes of the scheduled times.

What is the most critical transit issue you see in your ward?

The most critical transit issue in the ward is safety. The city must do more to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The best solution is passing state legislation, similar to Massachusetts, requiring that all IDOT and CDOT projects must increase or encourage pedestrian, bicycle and transit. We must remove the “more lanes and higher speed limits” as the primary goal of transportation. This avenue would then improve safety every year when transportation funds are being spent. 

What is your transit vision for your ward? What about for the city as a whole?

My transit vision for the ward is the same for the city as a whole, which is a safe, liveable community. Here at home, I am also a strong proponent of connecting the 606 to the Lakefront Trail based on routing determined by innovative urban planners in consultation with bicycling advocates and the community. This belief and my Chicago life as a bike, led me to support the vision of “Bike Grid Now” early in my time as alderman, and I look forward to continuing to work with bike activists to make the vision a reality. This would make the 43rd Ward a much more vibrant community. On a larger scale, I plan to work with our local state representative and senator to introduce state legislation requiring IDOT to “increase and encourage” walking, bicycling and rapid transit in addition to moving vehicles versus the current “consideration” standard in state law, without exception unless approved by the Governor. We will consult with local advocacy groups and conduct a thorough review of other State Departments of Transportation that focus on livable communities. I will lobby also the Governor to appoint transportation advocates to senior leader positions within IDOT with the specific goal to provide innovative design policy changes for non-vehicle transportation modes.

Has the CTA been doing an effective job with its return to service plan?

For the CTA’s Post-Pandemic plan, more needs to be done system-wide for on-time performance, recruitment and retention of employees, and safety. I was not afraid to hold leadership accountable - and nor will I be in the future. We must recognize that CTA workers were front-line responders during the pandemic, and we need to work more hand in hand (see notes on calling CTA leadership to Council more frequently, above) with CTA to boost their hiring through offering the types of bonuses and training that will better support our CTA workers.

What does the CTA need to succeed in 2023 and beyond? What isn't it receiving currently?

The Chicago Transit Agency is an independent government agency created by the State, and is run by a 7 member appointed board. Further, the CTA’s budget must be approved by the Regional Transportation Authority’s board, and by law, 50% of its revenue must come from fares. The RTA provides additional funding through a RTA sales tax, real estate transfer tax, and a State of Illinois match of a portion of the sales and real estate tax. As alderman, I will continue to be an advocate for innovative management solutions and our hard working city resident CTA employees. I will work with other local Alderman and the Mayor to appoint transportation and finance experts to the Board. And I will work with our local state representative and senator to advance state legislation to change the 50% fare requirement to prevent massive fare hikes. 

Given the declining state of the CTA, do you think it's time to change leadership? 

The CTA Board hires the CTA President. It is a 7 member board, with 4 chosen by the Mayor, and 3 by the Governor. I will work with both the Mayor and Governor to ensure Public Transportation experts are appointed to the Board to ensure high quality leaders are hired to lead the CTA. And again, no matter who the President is, I will continue to work to add City Council oversight towards CTA (like we did in getting the current president to appear in front of Council, and agree to appear twice per year) because that is how we will get accountability, and know how to better advocate for the CTA through our aldermanic roles. 

How do you think the CTA could better work alongside, communicate with, and respond to commuters' needs? 

As stated above, the CTA Board must be held to a high standard to work, communicate, and respond to commuters. We must ensure the Mayor and Governor appoint Board members who will demand this from the leaders they hire to run the CTA. 

No responses received. No endorsement.

No responses received. No endorsement.

No responses received. No endorsement.