CTA Chief "Very Pleased" With Winter Storm Performance
CHICAGO (CBS) -- CTA officials said the agency's subway system and elevated trains came through Monday's ice storm with flying colors.
"We had no significant delays or other problems, so I was very pleased with the work of all the CTA employees in delivering service yesterday, despite the weather challenges that we faced," CTA President Dorval Carter Jr. said Tuesday.
He said the agency takes extra measures to prevent ice buildup on the electrified third rail for trains whenever there is snow, sleet, or freezing rain that could hamper rail service.
"Those are normal actions that we take whenever we have a storm like this that were implemented in this case, and they served us well," Carter said.
Carter was at the Roosevelt subway station on the Red Line to announce the CTA has completed installation of 4G wireless coverage systemwide, including along the Blue Line and Red Line subways, at no cost to the agency or taxpayers.
"The four major carriers – T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint – financed the entire $22.5 million project, making an investment in both Chicago and its customers," Carter said. "Because of their commitment and work, robust voice [and] high-speed data service is now available to 54 million riders who enter the Red and Blue line stations on a daily basis."
The 4G coverage on the CTA's rail system was financed through the Chicago Infrastructure Trust, which finds alternative financing for public works projects.
"4G communications provide a huge benefit to our customers; many of whom the train serves as a second office, or a way to stay connected with family and friends," Carter said.
The CTA is now the largest major city public transit system with systemwide 4G coverage on its subway systems.