The Urban Transportation Center at UIC

Five well-populated warm-weather U.S. states have approved operation of Waymo autonomous vehicles. Will Illinois be next? In a recent article published by Medill Illinois News Bureau, UTC Director Dr. Ps Sriraj noted that autonomous services one day may be available in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Learn more and access the online article written by Jacques Abou-Rizk by visiting the link below. Then, take a minute to share your thoughts on the future of Waymo in and around metropolitan Chicago.

Waymo begins testing in Chicago as bill seeks to legalize autonomous vehicles Labor, driving unions are raising concerns over safety, job loss

Did you mark the date of Friday June 12 on your calendar? That's the day of Transport Chicago 2026, of course. Well, then don't wait another day to register. Yes, early bird registration for this always engaging, always insightful, always memorable day-long on all things transportation is now open. There are rates for students, the public sector, and the private sector. Visit the link below. https://www.transportchicago.org/register

Since the Spring of 2021, the UTC has hosted its Seminar Series presentations -- hour-long conversations on a wide range of transportation topics -- online. Transportation leaders and scholars from across metropolitan Chicago and around the nation have shared insight on topics that address rail, climate change, last-mile, autonomous vehicles, paratransit, public transit, ride share, micro transit, cycling, on-demand transportation, maritime, and the impact of the pandemic. We've recorded these zoom presentations and have archived them along with the presenter PowerPoint decks on our website. Visit this link to get access.

Webinars | Urban Transportation Center | University of Illinois Chicago Webinars UTC Seminar Series Archives UTC Seminar Series The UTC Seminar Series offers on online forum to address poignant transportation and urban planning topics designed to inform and stimulate discussion on ways to help build livable communities and solve real-world problems. Featured speakers ar...

What's going on at the upcoming Transport Chicago 2026? Well, quite a lot! The keynote speakers have been selected. And, a fascinating pre-event that centers on the development of Chicago's first subway system has been finalized. Plus, there's still time for students to submit a presentation. Want to learn more? Visit the Transport Chicago website. One more thing, there are still plenty of opportunities for sponsorship. This annal event takes place June 12. https://www.transportchicago.org/

Humans of Public Service (HOPS) is a non-profit organization that shares stories about government employees who make a positive impact on their communities. Brian Whittaker, HOPS Founder and Executive Director, will deliver the keynote presentation April 22 during the 2026 UIC Urban Forum. The image below includes the full event line up. Want to learn more and register? Please visit this link. https://urbanforum.uic.edu/

Prior to joining Amtrak in 2015, Joe Shacter held key positions with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and major Chicago area museums. Now, as the Director of Program Management for the Chicago Hub Improvement Program, Joe will share insight into plans to improve infrastructure both in and around Chicago's Union Station during the upcoming UTC Seminar Series online presentation. Registration is open for "Chicago Hub Improvement Program: Transforming Chicago’s Passenger Rail Experience" on April 16. https://utc.uic.edu/events/chicago-hub-improvement-program-transforming-chicagos-passenger-rail-experience/

All aboard! Yesterday, passengers boarded trains to ride South Shore trains operating on the new Monon Corridor service in Northwest Indiana. Visit this link to learn more. https://mysouthshoreline.com/south-shore-line-announces-opening-of-monon-corridor-service-and-new-train-schedule/

The April 16 online UTC Spring 2026 Seminar Series presentation will focus on Amtrak's exciting plans to upgrade the infrastructure both in and around Chicago's iconic Union Station. The goals: Improve reliability, reduce travel time, and enhance the customer experience. Participants will learn how Amtrak is blending these projects with the vision of Midwest state departments of transportation to expand passenger rail service in the future. Visit this link to learn more and register for "Chicago Hub Improvement Program: Transforming Chicago’s Passenger Rail Experience." https://utc.uic.edu/events/chicago-hub-improvement-program-transforming-chicagos-passenger-rail-experience/

The nation's freight railroad industry annually generates $220 billion in economic output and provides jobs for 1.1 million workers. Plus, in recent years freight train accidents, employee injuries, and grade crossing collisions have declined dramatically. These were among the key points made earlier today by Peter Skosey, Executive Director of Public and Government Affairs, at BNSF Railway. Mr. Skosey, who holds a master's degree from the UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, delivered an informative presentation today during the Spring 2026 kickoff to the UTC online Seminar Series. Visit this link to access the recording and PowerPoint deck for "The importance of Freight Rail in America and the Impacts of a Proposed Mega Merger." https://uofi.box.com/s/fxkq19q15km6dzmxj80yohirckz640gi

Here's some great news in the shared use mobility concept. As noted in this just-published report from Block Club Chicago, Divvy plans to add 200 stations around Chicago. Visit this link to read and learn more.

Divvy To Add Over 200 Stations Across Chicago, From Downtown To Far South Side New or upgraded stations will be installed in areas with high ridership and those with less than four stations per square mile, a city transportation official said.

Life can get complicated today. For example: Can you find the flier promoting the first UTC online Seminar Series of the spring 2026 semester on any of the images below? (If fact, one bulletin board boasts two fliers!) We'll make it easy for you to find the web page to register for "The Importance of Freight Rail in America and the Impacts of a Proposed Mega Merger." The presentation will be led by Peter Skosey of BNSF. The link is below. https://utc.uic.edu/events/the-importance-of-freight-rail-in-america-and-the-impacts-of-a-proposed-mega-merger/

The Illinois International Port District on the southeast side of Chicago is the final stop for a wide range of cargo from across the world. In this short video produced by the team at Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, IIPD Executive Director Erik Varela shares insight on the role the port plays in the metropolitan Chicago economy.

Faces of the RTP: Erik Varela, Illinois International Port District Erik Varela of the Illinois International Port District discusses the critical role freight and the Port of Chicago play in the region’s economy — and why st...