Following the catastrophic collapse of the embankment supporting the tracks near McCormick Boulevard north of Howard Street and south of Oakton Street on May 17, Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Yellow Line, which runs from the city into nearby Skokie, suspended service indefinitely. According to statements from CTA officials, there is still no timetable for returning the line to service.
The Yellow Line is a crucial commuter artery to and from the Howard Street station in Chicago. The Skokie Swift, which is the Yellow Line's original service name, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, while the station in downtown Skokie opened but a few years ago following more than a decade of effort on the part of village officials to solidify the line’s service to the community.
In 2014 nearly 1 million passengers overall rode the Yellow Line. On the average workday, some 3,000 people use the line to get to and from work.
Janelle Silva, of Skokie's Public Information Division, announced in a press release Tuesday that the village and CTA have implemented a “payment holiday” for those parking in the Skokie CTA commuter lots. Parking will be free starting Tuesday, June 16, until train service is restored.
Officials have expressed sympathy with commuters, pledging to return the line to service as soon as possible. Bus routes are presently serving as alternate carriers for traditional Yellow Line riders.
