Loop link project not looking good (Chicago: 2015, city hall, construction)

[pete6032]

If you didn't see the trib article:

• One of the eight proposed stations will not open on time with the other seven (due to construction of new Wabash El station interfering)
• Stations will not feature pre-pay options upon opening
• Stations will not have level boarding platforms, meaning wheel chair ramps will still be needed to board passengers with disabilities (CTA realized their bus fleet has too many buses with various boarding levels to make level boarding feasible)
• Concern that station canopies will not keep wind/rain out (a more weather resistant canopy design was changed to be more "open" because of business concerns about sight lines to stores)

Is it too early to put the cart before the horse here? These all seem like legitimate concerns. Why were these not figured out before the project began? Pre-pay and level boarding are two of the greatest time-savers as far as efficiency goes, and the Loop Link won't have them upon opening.

[marothisu]

None of these things is really an immensely major issue though some maybe a little cause for concern but in no way signalling a failure already - I think the last point is probably not what it seems. The barrier itself would keep out the rain, but since it's open air it wouldn't keep everything out which is not different than any other above ground train station. In any major project, there's always going to be set backs. Things not going to schedule? That happens all the time. As long as they put in the ramps soon that one should be OK. Hopefully they do that...

[via chicago]

Late 2016 delivery for whats essentially a repaving job is insane.

[jdiddy]

Issue 2 seems directly related to issue 4. They placated businesses by making these open canopies, but by having open canopies, you make it much more difficult to prevent fare evasion.

I don't really care about the weather issue, because if you're using public transit in the loop, you need to be dressed for the weather regardless. But if they can't figure out prepaid boarding now, it removes one of the greatest advantages to BRT.

[pete6032]

City Transportation Boss Defends ‘Modifications’ In Nearly Complete Loop Link Project « CBS Chicago

CDOT says the project will cost a total of $41 million. That is some $10 million higher than written estimates released in March. A department spokesperson says the new, higher figure includes design costs.
The design firm that’s being paid $10 million for the Loop Link project is run by a former top City Hall official. The firm deferred all questions to the city.