CTA Red Line Ridership: 2018-2023
Axl Ibiza, MBA
M.S. Data Analytics Candidate
College of Engineering & Design, Johnson & Wales University
DATA5600: Research Methods in Data Analytics
Professor Na Yu
June 16, 2024
Abstract
This study analyzes the ridership patterns on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line from 2018 to 2023, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery. The research investigates the influence of day type (weekday, weekend, holiday) and ADA accessibility on daily passenger entries at Red Line stations. Using multiple linear regression and a G*Power analysis, the study demonstrates that ADA accessibility significantly contributes to higher ridership, while the type of day also plays a role. The findings highlight the importance of accessibility in promoting public transit usage and provide insights for transit authorities seeking to optimize service levels and enhance the overall ridership experience.
Introduction to the Dataset
Selecting an appropriate dataset for analysis can be a daunting task, especially when initially unclear on a specific topic. Initially, the search began by browsing through numerous datasets available on Data.gov. However, nothing particularly stood out, prompting a more focused approach. The search was narrowed to datasets available on the City of Chicago Data Portal, driven by a personal connection to the city. Having lived in Chicago from 2019 to 2022, the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily life and public transportation became a relevant topic of interest. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) experienced a dramatic decline in ridership during the pandemic, mirroring the trends seen in metro transit systems globally.
After completing an M.S. in Data Analytics, one possible plan is to return to Chicago with my husband. This personal connection and future plan led to the selection of the CTA ridership dataset for a focused analysis. The aim is to investigate whether passenger volumes on the northern segment of the Red Line, specifically in the old neighborhood, have recovered from their pandemic lows.
Dataset
****The dataset used in this analysis comprises detailed daily ridership data for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line stations. Collected between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023, the dataset includes essential variables such as the count of total daily entries (rides), the type of day (daytype), and ADA accessibility status (ADA). The rides variable quantifies the daily number of passengers entering each station, while daytype categorizes the day as either a weekday, Saturday, or Sunday/holiday. The ADA variable indicates whether a station is accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act, highlighting the focus on inclusivity and accessibility in public transportation. This rich dataset allows for a comprehensive analysis of how different factors, including day types and accessibility features, influence public transit usage, providing valuable insights for optimizing transit operations and planning.