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Sunday, May 13, 2012

NATO Summit - Chicago Public Transportation Advisory / bus, rail, & paratransit | May 2012

NATO Summit Chicago - Chicago prepares to host the NATO Summit 2012

Published on May 4, 2012 by NATOCOMMUNITY



The information for CTA, Metra, and Pace is from there websites.
Please keep updated by visiting : http://www.notifychicago.org.

This is a free City of Chicago service, though text message rates may apply based on cell phone provider

Chicago Transit Authority


Leaders from around the world are gathering in Chicago this spring for an important diplomatic summit hosted by President Barack Obama. From May 20-21, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will hold meetings in Chicago.

This is the first time an American city other than Washington has hosted a NATO summit, and, in addition to world leaders visiting Chicago, about 2,000 journalists from across the world are expected to be here to chronicle the events. (For more information about these events, see the Chicago NATO Summit 2012 website.)

From a transit rider perspective, you should know that safety and security measures implemented by the Secret Service, as well as street closures due to events or public gatherings, may necessitate reroutes on a number of bus lines during the summit and around related events.

But, we’ll continue to operate the services you depend on to get around town. This page provides information about the summit, how CTA services may be affected and operate differently throughout the event and where to find them.

Tips for an easier trip during and in the days surrounding the summit


Know before you go
Check advance notice alerts on our web site for any routes you wish to take. You can see current and upcoming alerts about events that affect service in the Alerts / System Status section of our website, or look up your route and see any alerts related to it in our Route Guides.

Below, you'll find summaries of service changes that are known, in advance.

Know on the go
In addition to checking our website for alerts on a mobile device, you can sign up to receive e-mail or text alerts about your route from CTA Updates, or check our Twitter feed (@cta) for the latest information about unplanned events that affect service. (Even though we’ll try to have as much information online in advance, traffic restrictions may change and additional reroutes may be instituted, as needed.)

Consider riding the ‘L’
While street closures will necessitate bus reroutes, we expect rail services to operate normally because they use a private right-of-way (path). Because of this, ‘L’ service may be a better option for you. In fact, we’ll be adding additional service and/or capacity, at certain times throughout the event, to accommodate bus riders who might switch to rail.

Extended Customer Service call center hours
In addition to our regular Customer Service call center hours, you'll be able to call Customer Service at 1-888-YOUR-CTA (TTY: 1-888-CTA-TTY1) from 8 am to 6 pm on both Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20.

Impact on Trip Planners and Bus Tracker
Due to technological limitations, short-term, temporary reroutes, are not able to be reflected in trip planners and in Bus Tracker.
What does that mean for you?

•Google Transit and the RTA’s Goroo trip planners will provide directions for regularly scheduled service. Reroutes will not be reflected in these systems, so be sure to check alerts on our website to see if your service will be affected.

•Bus Tracker is unable to make predictions for buses that have gone off of their usual route because it isn’t able to automatically anticipate when a bus will re-join its usual route.

While Bus Tracker will continue to work normally for most routes and stops, buses that are presently off-route will not show in predictions at stops further down the route until it is back on its normal path. Further, stops that are only temporarily served by some buses may not show them in results for that stop. This behavior can be expected to be the same on our website, via text message, third party apps and on digital signage that shows bus information.
Planned reroute information

The following information reflects reroutes we expect to have in place related to these events. Please understand that this information may change, and check back before you travel for the latest information.

Note that unplanned reroutes do not appear here—check the System Status / Alerts page before traveling for the latest information on all events that might affect your service.

#3 King Drive Temporary Reroute
Sun, May 13
9am to 10pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via King Drive, 61st, Indiana, and 51st, then resume their normal route on King Drive.

Southbound buses will operate via King Drive, 51st, Michigan, and 61st, then resume their normal route on King Drive.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses will be rerouted for an event in Washington Park.


#3 King Drive Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Michigan, Madison, LaSalle, and Ohio, then resume their normal route on Michigan.

Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, LaSalle, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on Michigan.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#3 King Drive Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 20
12:01am Sat to 9am Sun

May 20 - 21
2:15pm to 4pm Mon or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via King Drive, 31st, and Michigan to Cermak, then continue their normal route on Michigan.

Southbound buses will operate via Michigan and 31st, then resume their normal route on King Drive.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to NATO-related events.


#3 King Drive Temporary Reroute
Sun, May 20
9am to 2:15pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Buses will operate in both directions via King Drive, Pershing, State, Harrison, and Michigan.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#4 Cottage Grove Temporary Reroute
Sun, May 20
9am to 2:15pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Buses will operate in both directions via Cottage Grove, Pershing, State, Harrison, and Michigan.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#6 Jackson Park Express Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Lake Park, 47th, Indiana, 31st, and Michigan to Balbo, then continue their normal route on Michigan.Southbound buses will operate via Balbo, Michigan and 47th, then resume their normal route on Lake Park..

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings and NATO-related events.


#10 Museum of Science & Industry Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, LaSalle, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on State.

Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Ohio, then resume their normal route on Michigan.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#10 Museum of Science & Industry Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Lake Shore Drive, 47th, State, and Balbo, then resume their normal route on Michigan.

Southbound buses will operate via State and 47th, then resume their normal route on Lake Shore Drive.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings and NATO-related events.

Temporary Reroutes
#12 Roosevelt
#18 16th/18th
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Eastbound #12 and #18 buses will operate via Roosevelt, State, 11th, Wabash, and Roosevelt,ending their trips on Roosevelt between Wabash and State.

Westbound buses will begin their trips on Roosevelt between Wabash and State, then resume their normal route on Roosevelt.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#14 Jeffery Express Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Lake Shore Drive, 47th, Indiana, 31st, and Michigan to Balbo, then continue their normal route on Michigan.

Southbound buses will operate via Michigan and 47th, then resume their normal route on Lake Shore Drive.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings and NATO-related events.


#21 Cermak Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Eastbound buses will operate via Cermak, Archer, Clark, and Cermak, ending their trips at the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station. Buses will not operate on Cermak east of Clark.

Westbound buses will begin their trips at the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station, then resume their normal route on Cermak.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#22 Clark Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Dearborn, Madison, LaSalle, and Wacker, then resume their normal route on Dearborn.

Southbound buses are not affected.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#29 State Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Illinois, then resume their normal route on State.

Southbound buses will operate via State, Kinzie, Clark, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on State.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#35 35th Temporary Reroute
Sun, May 20
9am to 2:15pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Eastbound buses will operate via 35th, Michigan, Pershing, Indiana, and 35th to Michigan, ending their trips at 35th/Michigan.

Buses will not operate on 35th east of Indiana.

Westbound buses will begin their trips at 35th/Michigan, then resume their normal route on 35th.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#36 Broadway Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via State, Kinzie, Clark, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on State.

Northbound buses will operate via Dearborn, Madison, LaSalle, and Wacker, then resume their normal route on Dearborn.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#55 Garfield Temporary Reroute
Sun, May 13
9am to 10pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Eastbound buses will operate via Garfield, Indiana, 51st, and Cottage Grove, then resume their normal route on 55th.

Westbound buses will operate via 55th, Cottage Grove, 51st, and Michigan, then resume their normal route on Garfield.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses will be rerouted for an event in Washington Park.


#60 Blue Island/26th Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Westbound buses will operate via Randolph, Michigan, Madison, and LaSalle, then resume their normal route on Randolph.

Eastbound buses will not be affected.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#62 Archer Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Dearborn, Madison, LaSalle, Wacker, Dearborn and Kinzie to State, ending their trips at State/Kinzie.

Southbound buses will begin their trips at State/Kinzie, then operate via State, Hubbard, Clark, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on State.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#124 Navy Pier Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Eastbound buses will operate via Wacker, LaSalle, and Illinois to Columbus, then continue their normal route on Illinois.

Westbound buses will operate via Grand and Clark, then resume their normal route on Randolph.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#145 Wilson/Michigan Express Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, LaSalle, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on Michigan.

Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Ohio, then resume their normal route on Michigan.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, LaSalle, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on State.

Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Ohio, then resume their normal route on Michigan.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will end their trips at State/Roosevelt. Buses will not operate on Roosevelt east of Wabash or serve the Museum Campus.

Northbound buses will begin their trips at State/Roosevelt, operate via Roosevelt, Wabash, 18th, and State to Roosevelt, then continue their normal route on State.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings and NATO-related events.


#147 Outer Drive Express Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, LaSalle, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on Michigan.

Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Ohio, then resume their normal route on Michigan.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#151 Sheridan Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, and LaSalle, then resume their normal route on Madison.

Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Wacker, and Wacker Place, then resume their normal route on Michigan.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.


#157 Streeterville/Taylor Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion

How does this affect my trip?
Westbound buses will operate via Ontario and LaSalle, then resume their normal route on Randolph.

Eastbound buses will not be affected.

Allow extra travel time.

Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.

@ http://www.transitchicago.com/nato/

###

Pace Suburban Bus


Provides Paratransit Service in all service areas of the RTA region.

NATO Summit Passenger Advisory

Temporary road closures and other security measures may impact Pace ADA paratransit service and Route 855 Plainfield – East Loop Express beginning Sunday, May 13 through the end of the summit on May 21. Passengers are advised to allow extra time for travel to and/or through Chicago's Loop, or to consider CTA rail service if it is an option, as it is not expected to be impacted by the event. Although we will do our best to keep passengers informed during the summit, conditions can change quickly due to circumstances beyond Pace's control.

Please note that Google Transit, the RTA's goroo trip planner, Pace's WebWatch and CTA BusTracker services provide information based on regularly scheduled transit service. If/when reroutes occur, these services will be unable to reflect these changes.

The Chicago NATO Host committee will use Notify Chicago as a resource for communicating useful summit related information on street closures, traffic disruptions and more. Individuals may sign up for Notify Chicago through the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications website to receive message alerts via text message or voicemail related to extreme weather alerts, traffic disruptions, health alerts and major incidents.

The free subscription can be completed in a matter of minutes by visiting http://www.notifychicago.org. This is a free City of Chicago service, though text message rates may apply based on cell phone provider

@ http://www.pacebus.com/sub/news_events/whats_new.asp#NATO

###

Metra



Most Metra riders will not see service changes as a result of the NATO Summit on May 19-21, even most riders of the Metra Electric Line, which passes under the summit facility at McCormick Place.

Overview
Metra plans to operate regular service on 10 of its 11 lines. For the Metra Electric Line, most trains will operate, although some stations and the Blue Island branch line will be closed for all or part of the summit. Those closings are detailed below.

Riders of all lines may be subject to screening and baggage checks, with more extensive screening on the Metra Electric Line. Passengers on all lines will be prohibited from carrying many items onboard trains and will face other security restrictions outlined below.

Metra’s NATO plans could change, and riders are urged to go to Metra’s website for the latest information as the summit date approaches. Metra also will send emailed alerts to all riders who have signed up to receive them. We encourage riders to request alerts by creating a “My Metra” account on the website.

Metra is also providing several passenger tools, available on the Metra website, to assist passengers in planning transportation throughout the NATO Summit.

Metra Service on the Electric Line
Because the Metra Electric Line passes under McCormick Place, passengers will be subject to more extensive screening and baggage checks. Riders are advised to arrive at their departing station about 15 minutes prior to departure to allow sufficient time for the boarding process. Metra Electric passengers should also note that some station entrances may be closed.

Plans for service on the Metra Electric Line vary by the day as follows. On all three days, the South Water Street entrance to Millennium will be closed.

Saturday, May 19: Operate normal inbound and outbound service on main line and both branches and make all station stops with the exception of 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and 11th Street/Museum Campus.

Sunday, May 20: Operate normal inbound and outbound service on main line and South Chicago branch and make all station stops with the exception of 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and 11th Street/Museum Campus. (The Blue Island branch does not operate on Sundays)

Monday, May 21:
Inbound trains: Operate all trains (except Blue Island trains) scheduled to arrive downtown until noon, with the following stations closed:

•On the main line, trains will not stop at 111th Street (Pullman), 107th Street, 103rd Street (Rosemoor), 95th Street (Chicago State University), 91st Street (Chesterfield), 87th Street (Woodruff), 83rd Street (Avalon Park), 79th Street (Chatham), 75th Street (Grand Crossing), 63rd Street, 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and Museum Campus/11th Street.
•On the South Chicago branch, trains will not stop at 87th Street, Cheltenham (79th Street), Windsor Park and Bryn Mawr.
•Trains will not operate on the Blue Island branch.
Inbound main line trains scheduled to arrive at Millennium between 12:57 p.m. and 6:46 p.m. will not operate.

Outbound trains: Operate normal service all day, except at closed stations and on Blue Island branch.

The Metra Electric main line serves about 14,000 riders on weekdays, 2,500 riders on Saturdays and about 1,800 riders on Sundays. The South Chicago branch carries about 2,800 riders on weekdays, 1,100 riders on Saturdays and 450 riders on Sundays. The Blue Island branch carries about 1,300 riders on weekdays, 325 riders on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.

Metra has compiled a list of alternate transportation for riders of each closed station. That list accompanies this press release.
Safety measures affecting passengers during the summit
Metra has implemented a wide range of safety measures during the NATO Summit. Passengers may see an increased law enforcement presence and K-9 units.

In addition, the following safety measures apply to riders of all Metra lines during the three days (May 19, 20 and 21) of the summit:

1.Riders may be subject to search and/or screening before boarding or while en route.
2.Riders may carry only one bag not exceeding 15 inches square and 4 inches deep. Boxes, parcels, luggage, backpacks and bicycles will not be allowed on trains. Banned items cannot be stored at Metra stations. They must be removed or they will be disposed of.
3.Riders may not carry any food on the trains. Liquids and personal effects (such as makeup) must be less than three ounces in size. This includes coffee and other beverages. Breast milk can be carried but is subject to inspection and should be declared during any screening.
4.Riders may not carry any type of tools, pipes, stakes, wood or weapons, including pocket knives and pepper spray, on the trains.
5.Law enforcement personnel must identify themselves and present their credentials and any weapons. Security guards will not be allowed to carry any weapons onboard.
Failure to comply with these safety measures or instructions from law enforcement personnel, or attempted avoidance of screening, will result in ejection from the station or further police action.

Communicating with passengers
Metra has developed a comprehensive communications strategy to ensure passengers have the most complete and up-to-date information on Metra service prior to and during the NATO Summit.

Metra passengers are encouraged to sign-up for a “My Metra” account through the Metra website at www.metrarail.com to receive the most current information from Metra via email.

Other media and passenger communication includes:

1.This press release and associated press conference to inform the media about Metra’s plans during the NATO Summit.
2.An updated homepage on our website with one-click access from the main screen to all of the information and passenger tools developed by Metra for this event.
3.A link in the “Good to Know” sidebar on the Metra homepage also providing one-click access to information and passenger tools developed by Metra.
4.Two versions of maps showing stops along the Metra Electric Line that will be affected during the NATO Summit. These maps are available in the PDF format for easy viewing and printing.
5.A passenger checklist that can be printed and used as a take-along reminder of safety measures and restrictions during the NATO Summit. The checklist is available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
6.A revised schedule for the Metra Electric Line for each day of the NATO Summit. These schedules are available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
7.A list of transportation alternatives or transportation resources for affected passengers. This list is available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
8.An article in the upcoming issue of our On the Bi-Level newsletter outlining Metra plans and reminding passengers to visit our website for additional information.
9.Metra will be sending email communications to “My Metra” accounts and our email marketing list.
10.Metra will utilize our Twitter accounts to advise passengers about NATO Summit Travel information on our website.
11.Passengers will also see and hear onboard messaging directing passengers to NATO Summit information available via “My Metra” and online at Metra’s website prior to and throughout the NATO Summit.
12.Metra is also alerting its passengers with station signage, station announcements and visual information displays.
Metra understands that these changes are inconvenient for many and we apologize. We have made our best efforts to minimize service disruptions and ensure the safety of our passengers. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented event.

@ http://metrarail.com/

###

Please keep updated by visiting : http://www.notifychicago.org.

This is a free City of Chicago service, though text message rates may apply based on cell phone provider

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the information, hoping Paratransit will not be overly effected. Keep up the good work . F.T.