Acting president outlines accessibility projects, Second Chance successes, autism awareness and youth outreach
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Summary
CTA's acting president reported infrastructure milestones (Austin Green Line groundbreaking, six new accessible stations planned), highlighted the Second Chance workforce program and apprenticeship conversions, noted Autism Awareness Month station announcements, and previewed a Clean & Green volunteer day.
The acting president presented a monthly report on April 9 that highlighted accessibility work, workforce development and outreach initiatives across the Chicago Transit Authority.
Accessibility and capital projects The acting president described the March 31 Austin Green Line groundbreaking as the start of a $25,000,000 accessibility project and said CTA expects six new accessible stations to be announced within the year, including Austin and Racine on the Blue Line and four RPM stations later in the year.
Second Chance program and apprenticeships The acting president emphasized CTA's Second Chance employment program, describing workshops including a recent expungement clinic for program participants. Staff reported that nearly 30 Second Chance apprentices have been converted to permanent CTA employees so far this year; the acting president said that number is notably higher than the typical eight conversions at the same point in previous years.
Autism Awareness Month and youth outreach In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, CTA played an announcement voiced by a child in rail stations to raise awareness as part of a collaboration with the Autism Transit Project. The acting president also said the CTA hosted a pre-apprenticeship fair at South Suburban College attended by 261 people, with 18 exhibitors including CTA staff, workforce partners, contractors, unions and training providers.
Other items Staff previewed the Clean & Green spring volunteer service tour scheduled for the morning of Saturday, April 26, and noted Transit Employee Appreciation Day activities and an agency podcast focused on employee stories. The acting president said the agency is monitoring legislative conversations in Springfield about transit funding and will continue outreach to elected officials.
Next steps Staff said they will return with further updates on stakeholder engagement for a $3,000,000 security initiative in the adopted budget and on legislative advocacy as the Illinois session progresses.
