The Urban Transportation Center at UIC

10/30/2026

Earlier this week, a team of researchers led by UTC Director Dr. Ps Sriraj returned from participation at the Association of Sustainable Transportation Researchers conference held at the University of California Davis. As noted on the organization's website, this inaugural conference provided a "new scholarly home for rigorous, interdisciplinary research on sustainability, climate, equity, environmental justice, and related dimensions of transportation systems." Team UTC participated in workshops, presentations, and the poster session. Here are some images. https://www.aostr.org/annualconference

10/28/2026

The November 19 UTC online Seminar Series presentation will focus on a plan to build a light rail line that will help energize a major Eastern city. Two transportation experts will lead the discussion. What's the name of the event? Where is the metro area in question? Who are the presenters? Well, look really, really close to the flier at the bottom left of this image. Better yet, just click on the link below. https://utc.uic.edu/events/baltimore-red-line-the-history-present-and-future-of-transit-in-baltimore/

10/23/2026

Whether you have been a driver or a passenger (and perhaps even an observer) of a vehicle on the Kennedy Expressway, you'll agree with this excellent, detailed report from the Chicago Sun-Times on the frequent "nightmarish" traffic conditions. Thanks to reporters Dan Mihalopoulos and Alden Loury for outstanding reporting. Do you navigate the Kennedy? If so, please share thoughts. https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/10/23/kennedy-expressway-construction-commuters-illinois-department-transportation-pritzker?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=102326%20Morning%20Edition&utm_content=102326%20Morning%20Edition+CID_42f45f93e44d8ae2fb1a48f3bdb44ab6&utm_source=cst_campaign_monitor&utm_term=3%20years%20later%20Kennedy%20Expressway%20traffic%20nightmare%20persists&tpcc=cst_cm

10/23/2026

Want to play a role in the future of Chicago Transit Authority bus service? Then take a few minutes to complete a short survey. This link will take you to a page with a link to the CTA Bus Vision survey and a list of in-person open house events across metropolitan Chicago.

As our communities change, how we need to get around changes too. We want to hear directly from you about how bus service can better meet your needs.

10/22/2026

Let's offer a warm welcome to the newest member of the UTC research team. Please visit this link to learn more about Dr. Haimanti Bala, who joined the UTC last week. https://utc.uic.edu/news-stories/utc-welcomes-post-doctoral-research-associate-dr-haimanti-bala/

10/20/2026

If you're a transit rider in Chicago, you most likely are aware of the CTA Red Line rapid transit service. But did you know the city of Baltimore is proposing a Red Line light rail network? Get insight into the Baltimore Red Line by taking part in the next UTC online Seminar Series presentation. Registration is open for "Baltimore Red Line: The History, Present, and Future of Transit in Baltimore" on November 19 starting at noon. Learn more and register from this link.

Nov 19 2026 Baltimore Red Line: The History, Present, and Future of Transit in Baltimore UTC Fall 2026 Seminar Series November 19, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location Virtual Event Cost No cost Calendar Download iCal File Join two leaders from the Maryland Department of Transportation for an in-depth l...

10/19/2026

One aspect of the West Lake and Monon Corridor project in Northwest Indiana converted a scrap yard and bottling plant into a vibrant commuter rail station. That was a component of the UTC's debut online Seminar Series held October 15. Our thanks to Gary Babcoke, Chief Mechanical Officer for the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. Access his presentation, "Construction and Testing of the West Lake Corridor Project/Monon Corridor," by visiting the link below. You'll be able to download the zoom conversation and PowerPoint deck. https://uofi.box.com/s/k6qstspnimjs1sp7k46jcnumlxlyfsr7

10/14/2026

Accessibility to public transit was the focus of a conversation earlier today between UTC Director Dr. Ps Sriraj and a student team from the Medill - Northwestern University. Medill student journalists McCall Vickers and Naomi Taxay visited the UTC as part of a study project addressing transportation. During the recorded conversation, held in the UTC Conference Room, Dr. Sriraj provided insight on two types of accessibility -- physical challenges and destination issues -- and shared thoughts on completed and still-underway UTC research. A key conclusion: Dr. Sriraj noted that the goal of UTC studies is to shed light on the lack of transit accessibility across metropolitan Chicago. The interview will be edited and shared with WTTW - Chicago PBS for possible airing later this year.

10/13/2026

Just two days away! We're referring to the debut UTC online Seminar Series presentation of the Fall 2026 semester. Yes, there's still time to register for "Construction and Testing of the West Lake Corridor Project/Monon Corridor." Featured speaker Gary Babcoke, Chief Mechanical Officer for the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, will share insight on work underway to improve the South Shore Line serving Northwest Indiana. Click on this link to get the zoom link. https://utc.uic.edu/events/construction-and-testing-of-the-west-lake-corridor-project-monon-corridor/

10/12/2026

Motorists travelling on Chicago thoroughfares with bus and bike lane restrictions take notice: The city Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety voted to expand the Street Smarts pilot program, which is an automated process to issue tickets for vehicles violating bus and bike parking guidelines. This Chicago Sun-Times report from David Struett provides the details.

The city's nearly 2-year-old Smart Streets pilot would grow in phases to cover the entire city in 2028, according to the ordinance advanced Friday by the Council’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety.