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Monday, October 20, 2008

Circle Line Concept

Thanks to John for bringing up one of my favorite Chicago topics, the CTA and its future developments. We know this is a double edged sword given the recent block 37 super station debacle, but it’s still fun to dream. This brings us to the “Circle Line” concept, which was presented in 2002:

Does anyone have any links to more recent talks about the “Circle Line”? This plan addresses some things I think are very important:

  1. Linking the northwest to the near north neighborhoods
  2. Providing a much needed public transportation option at the United Center (the bus system is pretty horrible)

But the main thing it misses is access to the lake. This is tough, mainly because it would cost a ton of money, but it is one of the main criticisms of the current Chicago 2016 Olympic plan (not a clear explanation of how the public transportation would be linked to the water front and sporting venues). I’m working on a post that talks about this, so stay tuned.

But in the meantime does anyone have ideas on how to improve the “circle line” concept? What about creating access to the lake?

1 comment:

  1. Gordon DouglasMarch 13, 2009 at 9:47 AM

    My main problem with the circle line as discussed is that it's just too close to the loop. The CTA needs to think about actually serving transit-dependent riders who currently have next-to-no rail service, not making things even more convenient in Noble Square and West Town. It should RUN DOWN WESTERN, clearly. This has been discussed before.

    Either way, and perhaps of more interest to sloopers (can I call you sloopers?), coming up the orange line to Chinatown is asinine. It should still connect at Ashland/Archer, but then keep southeast to serve the vast swaths of McKinley Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, and Grand Boulevard/Bronzeville that it could if it joined the Red or Green lines at 35th or 47th - from which it could go all the way to the lake!

    Lastly, speaking of the lake, check out the proposed Gold Line that south side groups are fighting for as part of the Olympic community benefits agreement - it would serve the South Loop and the Lake by running on the current ME tracks, all the way to 91st street on the far southeast side.

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