Chicago Transit Authority proposes employee appreciation month to boost morale

During the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board Meeting on March 12, 2025, a significant proposal aimed at enhancing the connection between CTA employees and passengers was presented. The initiative, dubbed "Call to Action CTA," seeks to establish a month-long appreciation period for CTA employees from December 1 to December 31. This program encourages passengers to voluntarily tip or donate to employees who provide satisfactory service, similar to practices seen in other service industries.

The proposal was introduced by a community member who shared his past experience advocating for improvements at CTA stations, highlighting the importance of recognizing the hard work of transit employees. He emphasized that showing appreciation through tips could boost employee morale and performance, ultimately benefiting the overall transit experience for riders.

In addition to this proposal, the meeting featured updates on the CTA's service enhancements, including the launch of new bus routes that will provide service every 10 minutes or better throughout the day, starting March 23. This initiative reflects the CTA's commitment to improving reliability and frequency in response to customer feedback.

The board also discussed ongoing challenges, including issues related to smoking on trains and buses, which have been a source of complaints from riders. The CTA is actively addressing these concerns by deploying security personnel to targeted stations based on customer reports.

Furthermore, the meeting underscored the critical need for adequate funding to maintain and expand transit services. The acting president of the CTA reported on advocacy efforts in Springfield, emphasizing the potential impact of funding shortfalls on service availability and accessibility for Chicago residents. The board is preparing to present scenarios illustrating the consequences of insufficient funding, which could affect nearly half a million riders.

As the CTA gears up for Transit Employee Appreciation Day, the board is also focusing on enhancing community engagement and communication. Plans include launching a monthly newsletter and a podcast to share stories and updates about the CTA and its employees, fostering a stronger connection with the public.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting highlighted the CTA's ongoing efforts to improve service, recognize employee contributions, and engage with the community, all while navigating the challenges posed by funding uncertainties.