Client: TranSystems Corporation
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Project Sponsor: Chicago Transit Authority

Project Description
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is interested in estimating the market elasticity of ridership in CTA buses and trains with respect to fares and service for different groups of riders such as full fare pass users, Chicago Card users, and senior/disabled riders. The purpose of the study was to assess how the public reaction to potential changes in fares and services would impact ridership and to develop a model that replicates the actual share of riders using CTA with different frequencies (once a week, twice a week, etc.) based on each fare medium. The study also aims to develop recommendations to increase the use of CTA by current and potential riders.

Role of Firm
TranSystems Corporation hired cmQue, inc. as a subconsultant for this project. cmQue inc. is responsible for the coding and processing of survey results. To complete these tasks cmQue developed a database software that was used to facilitate coding and processing of the rider intercept surveys conducted on behalf of the Chicago Transit Authority. The software includes entry flow and data validation routines that increase coder efficiency and minimize data entry errors. cmQue inc. worked closely with Blackstone group and TranSystems to complete the first phase of the project in a very short time frame. The second phase of the study is ongoing and the survey portion is to be completed by the end of October.