Latest news with #BetterStreets
CBS News
06-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Clock counting down to secure state funding before drastic service cuts to CTA, Metra, Pace
A warning has been issued to anyone who takes public transportation in Chicago — with drastic service cuts looming, Illinois legislators only have until the end of the month to decide what to do and how to address it. Transit advocates are taking to the streets every week to warn riders. They say the cuts are as bad as transit agencies say they are, and they are not empty threats. The advocates also say time is running out. "There is a crisis we're facing," said Kyle Lucas of Better Streets Chicago. "It is as bad as they are saying." The crisis iso a fiscal cliff in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The "they" Lucas referenced is the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace suburban buses. If Illinois legislators fail to shore up $770 million by the end of the month, the way people navigate the Chicago area will change drastically, Lucas warned. "Entire bus lines and train lines will be cut," Lucas said. "It'll mean people will wait longer for trains." CBS News Chicago is told the CTA would be forced to close 50 'L,' stations and would lose more than 70 miles of rail service. It would also eliminate more than half its bus routes, and reduce bus frequency by 25%. The CTA has not yet said anything about which specific 'L' and bus lines and 'L' stops would be affected under this scenario. Meanwhile, Metra would suffer a 40% reduction in service, and Pace is threatening to eliminate all service after 8 p.m. and all weekend rides. This possible crisis has been lurking in the headlines for months. What is new now, however, is that there are only a few weeks left to address it. Amy Rynell of the Active Transportation Alliance and Dany Robles of the Illinois Environmental Council are both in Springfield working with legislators now. "I think what we're feeling is the urgency behind it," Robles said. "What other states give to their regional transit? It's a lot more," added Rynell. With weeks left to get legislators on board, the RTA is running a massive ad campaign called, "Save Transit Now." The campaign warns that the RTA will face "40% service cuts that will make rides overcrowded." The ads cost between $500,000 and $750,000. CBS News Chicago asked RTA chairman Kirk Dillard if the ad is really worth it. "It is definitely worth it," Dillard said. "Six thousand letters have been sent to state legislators, and it's our duty to make sure the public, our riders, and those who don't even use mass transit know that this crisis would impact their pocketbooks — as well as their lungs and lifestyle." The CTA did not participate in the RTA campaign, but Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen issued a statement emphasizing that the CTA is working with legislators for a solution. "I feel strongly that Chicago-area public transit must be responsive to the needs of our riders. As CTA's leader, I've directed the implementation of new measures that directly address their needs and concerns, including our new Frequent Bus Network and our ongoing anti-smoking missions in coordination with the Chicago Police Department, which have been informed by customer feedback via CTA's chatbot. This work is especially critical at this time, when legislators are making impactful decisions about investing in CTA for years to come. I am fully engaged with Springfield lawmakers and having productive discussions with them as they consider our agency's financial future. I am also committed to significant, meaningful outreach — to the public, to our employees, and to transit advocates — which ensures our system is designed to deliver reliable and safe transportation for the region." Dillard said he is confident the RTA will be successful in securing funding. But if they're not, and nothing is accomplished in Springfield by the end of the Spring Session — which is the end of May — changes in service and cuts will begin at the start of 2026.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘It's really coming back to life': Ribbon cut on Britton District improvements
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The historic Britton District unveiled its new streetscape and safety improvements after years of work. Businesses told News 4, it's helping more local businesses set up shop and thrive. 'This place has just exploded and it's really coming back to life,' said Nicholas Hampson, co-owner of Orange Peel Vintage. LOCAL NEWS: Local students use STEAM project to adapt toys for kids with disabilities Hampson grew up in the area. 'It was completely boarded up. My parents and great grandparents would tell me stories of the 50's and 60's through the 80's how this town was thriving,' said Hampson. Now, the area has evolved after a $6.6 million investment, paid for through the 2017 Better Streets, Safer City Bond election. 'Persistence and patience is how you get things done,' said Mayor David Holt during the ribbon cutting ceremony. The improvements include improved ADA access, new striping, street resurfacing, increased parking, benches, trash cans, bike racks, shade trees, and new lighting. Residents told News 4, they love the new sidewalks. 'You don't have to be afraid when you're walking thinking that the cars are going to hit you because you're away from them,' said Shasta, who lives nearby. Hampson said, the new crosswalks and streetscape are his favorites. 'It's probably going to save a life,' said Hampson. He said drivers used to drive through painted parking spots. LOCAL NEWS: OKC to offer nonstop flights to Cancun this fall 'They treated this like a four lane road,' said Hampson. Paul Little, of Paul Little Construction, said the traffic is still there, but has found it actually helps business. People are looking at the new options while sitting bumper to bumper. 'It brings focus down here,' said Little. 'It's more inviting and welcoming.' There are plenty of new businesses to choose from, like retail, restaurants, desert and coffee shops, as well as breweries and distilleries with product made in the back of the shop. 'It's just a fresh look on an old place,' said Little. Learn more at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BBC News
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Brighton & Hove: Ten roads earmarked for safety works
Ten Brighton streets have been chosen for safety improvements over the next year. Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) chose the addresses based on factors including casualty data and traffic information. The improvements are part of BHCC's Safer, Better Streets programme to reduce speeding, rat running and perceived collision blackspots while increasing safety for Trevor Muten said: "This list means we can prioritise those areas most in need of improvement." The following roads will be added to a priority list for improvements in 2025/2026:New England Road / New England Street junctionSilverdale Road / Old Shoreham RoadNevill Road south of Nevill Ave near Orchard RoadSurrenden Road at Surrenden HoltCourt Farm Road west of Nevill CloseHolmes Avenue next to the junctions with Wayfield Avenue and Elm Drive / Cranmer Avenue, HoveHartington Road / Lewes Road (or near Fairlight & St Martin)Surrenden Road (north end)Locks Hill north of St Nicolas SchoolFreshfield Road, junction between Queen's Park Terrace and Cuthbert Road BHCC said the works would be subject to available funding, including £500,000 from the city's Local Transport Plan budget. In 2024, BHCC carried out improvement works on five streets and junctions and said it had nine more which are being developed for construction. Mr Muten added: "We've done some great work in the last year on junctions like Shirley Drive and Blackman Street to make them safer and to improve the junctions for pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles and I look forward to seeing more improvements to come."
