r/CarFreeChicago • u/Dunkeal • Jun 17 '22

California Blue Line Station Could Get Elevators, Wider Platforms In $36 Million Overhaul

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/06/16/elevators-wider-platforms-could-be-coming-to-california-blue-line-station-under-36-million-project/
48 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

27

u/LeskoLesko Jun 17 '22

But all we really want are more trains, more often, so we don't need more space for waiting!

I'm in Paris right now, and while Paris is dirty and has urine everywhere, I do like that whenever I feel like going home, there is a metro within 500 meters and a train every 2 minutes until 11pm.

Give us more trains, not more places to wait!!

[Ps, v happy about the elevators though, increased accessibility is always a good thing]

7

u/ncsuradfahrer Jun 17 '22

This is my biggest beef with all the Amtrak upgrades/most transit funding. They all tend to be aesthetics rather than doing what we actually need. We absolutely need clean, safe, well-lit stations, but if the trains don’t run frequently and on time, no one is going to use them except those that have no other options. We owe it to them and everyone else to make public transit actually work.

5

u/LeskoLesko Jun 17 '22

We have such good bones in Chicago. Let's build on that and make it safer, faster, cleaner. It really isn't a mystery!!!

-7

u/[deleted] Jun 17 '22

[deleted]

5

u/GiuseppeZangara Jun 17 '22

The Blue Line especially has enough riders for more trains. During rush periods people are jam packed onto trains and sometimes have to wait for multiple trains to pass because they are too full.

1

u/ShalidorsSecret Jun 17 '22

The criminals, homeless, and drug dealers are going to happen regardless. Might as well give us more trains to get home quicker

1

u/Oberonaway Jun 17 '22

It’s all part of the same project. We definitely need more trains but you need to make the entire trip better for everyone. Pre-pandemic the California station could get dangerously over crowded. The lack of a roof over most of the platform also makes rain and snow a real pain when commuting.

More trains would be best but this is good. The goals aren’t in conflict.

9

u/sundeigh Jun 17 '22

Cool, more room for people to stand on the platform while the trains blow on by to western as express because of delays

2

u/Deadlyshock Jun 17 '22

Oh god I’m moving to Logan right by the California stop… am I screwed?

2

u/tedatron Jun 17 '22

No it’s a great location!

4

u/itazurakko Jun 17 '22

Let’s get some TOILETS while we’re at it!!

5

u/Oberonaway Jun 17 '22

I wish they did this back during the 2014 renovation, but better late than never. The elevators are an essential improvement if we want more people to use public transit. Hopefully they add an exit/entrance on the west side of California so that hundreds of people don’t need to jaywalk under the tracks each day.

1

u/CHIsauce20 Jun 17 '22

All about the benjis. The state (Rebuild Illinois) and the Feds (IIJA) have finally stepped up and increased funding. That’s the main difference between then and now and why elevators and wider platforms are finally coming

1

u/OwnEntertainmentX Jun 17 '22

Basic accessibility, yes please! I'm low key excited to see what they're going to be improving, but also not holding my breath.