Transit Station Activations in Rogers Park, Joliet bring live music, games, and more

In May, the RTA announced more than $120,000 in funding for eight Transit Station Activation projects near CTA, Metra, and Pace stations and stops. The projects will bring activities near transit, create a welcoming environment, and help address real or perceived public safety issues. The Transit Station Activation grant program was launched following the RTA Public Transit Safety and Security Summit in February 2024. The Summit brought together nearly 80 riders, transit professionals, and stakeholders to explore holistic solutions to the safety issues the transit system is facing.

In August, two Transit Station Activations took place—one on the North Side of Chicago and the other in Joliet.

First Friday Music Series in Rogers Park

On the evening of Friday, August 2, more than 100 people enjoyed live music from the Four Star Brass Band at Sister Jean Plaza next to the Loyola Red Line stop, as well as sample smoothies handed out by Tropical Smoothie Café. Additionally, Ricardo Jimenez performed on the patio at Café Nova and then Great Wall, and Nicholas Barron played guitar at Raising Cane’s.

The event was organized by the Rogers Park Business Alliance, which launched their Summer on the Plaza series in 2014 in partnership with Loyola University Chicago and the Sheridan Road Special Service Area (SSA54). The series has since been rebranded to the First Friday Music Series.

“For obvious reasons, we had to stop during the pandemic,” said Cindy Plante, Economic Development Manager for the Rogers Park Business Alliance. “Several of the businesses have closed or changed hands since then, and budget limitations also played a role in the hiatus. We're excited to bring it back this year.”

Plante said activations like this can impact how safe and welcome transit riders feel.

“Anything that gets more people out walking and using our transit system increases safety by having more eyes on the street and breaking down isolation,” she said. “Especially with the university on this part of Sheridan, new students are coming in every year, so events like this are an opportunity to encourage them to get out and explore neighborhood businesses and get used to using public transit. For students coming from the suburbs or more rural communities, this may be their first time living in a community with transit access.”

Activate Joliet

Pace Suburban Bus hosted Activate Joliet on August 3 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Pace Transit Center at the Joliet Gateway Center. More than 100 people enjoyed the free community event, which featured live music, free food, free caricatures, games, and a touch-a-bus experience. The event coincided with Kidz Fest in Joliet.

In July, the first Transit Station Activation launched: weekly yoga in Uptown along the CTA’s #36 bus route, which runs every Friday through the year from 11 a.m. to noon.

The next Transit Station Activation is another iteration of the Rogers Park Business Alliance’s First Friday Music Series. It will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 6, at the Loyola Red Line station plaza. The Rogers Park Business Alliance’s free event will feature live music and refreshments. This activation will also take place on October 4.

Then, on September 25 from 8-9 a.m. and 5-6 p.m., Mandala Arts will bring live music and dance performances to the Morse Red Line station. And on September 28, the Gardeneers will host a plant-based pop-up festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. near the 63rd Street Green Line station.

Learn more about this year’s other Transit Station Activation projects.