The Chicago Transit Authority operates one of the largest rail and bus systems in the country. To share information with their riders, like telling them about projects to make service better, the agency maintains an excellent YouTube channel.

The CTA Connections account is a great way for the agency to communicate with riders. Its variety of videos, including some that explain various projects, some that provide fun facts about how the agency works, and those that just entertain, give CTA a public face people can relate to.

The video above is an example of how CTA has done this is with its ongoing work to rehabilitate the “Ravenswood Connector,” which is a section of track between the North Side Main Line and the loop carrying the Brown and Purple Lines. Here’s a video explaining the project.

The page also includes information about proposed capital projects, like the Brown Line flyover proposed at Clark Junction, near Belmont. In this case, northbound Brown Line trains have to cross over three tracks, which carry north and southbound Red Line trains and southbound Purple Line trains. A flyover would allow for a significant increase in the amount of Red Line trains.

There are also explainer videos, like the one below, which explains what goes on in CTA’s interlocking towers. Unlike Washington, where Metro has a centralized control center, tower operators in Chicago actually throw switches from on-site towers. The junction at Tower 18 is one of the busiest rail junctions in the United States, with over 700 trains daily.

The agency also has videos that are more for entertainment purposes than anything else. Each of the eight rail lines has a real-time front-seat view of the line. One of my favorite aspects of these is that at the transfer stations, the videos include links so you can “transfer” to another video.

YouTube and other social media platforms can offer transit agencies great outlets for communicating with riders. Videos can be very informative and can help inform riders, build support for projects, and increase goodwill.

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Tagged: chicago, cta, social media, technology, transit

Matt Johnson has lived in the Washington area since 2007. He has a Master’s in Planning from the University of Maryland and a BS in Public Policy from Georgia Tech. He lives in Dupont Circle. He’s a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and is an employee of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. His views are his own and do not represent those of his employer.