Mayor Johnson, CTA Announce Expansion of ‘Refresh & Renew’ Program Across Transit System (Chicago, IL) — Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Acting President Nora Leerhsen kicked off the 2026 construction season with the announcement of expanded investments aimed at improving the look, safety and accessibility of transit stations across the city.
At the center of the effort is the CTA’s growing “Refresh & Renew” program, which focuses on upgrading rail stations and bus facilities while also creating workforce opportunities, including jobs for returning residents. The initiative aligns with Johnson’s broader “Build Better Together” agenda to strengthen public infrastructure and community access.
“When we invest in our transit system, we invest in our CTA workers and the residents across our city who rely on this system to get to work, school, and opportunities throughout Chicago,” Johnson said. “Riders from Bronzeville to Rogers Park will benefit from the work CTA crews are doing this construction season.”
Originally launched in 2019, the Refresh & Renew program has expanded beyond routine maintenance to include enhancements designed to make transit spaces more welcoming. This year’s upgrades include the addition of child-sized benches at 10 rail stations and new landscaping features at nine rail and bus locations.
Leerhsen said the improvements reflect a rider-focused approach.
“Our vision for the CTA is rooted in people,” she said. “This expansion goes beyond basic improvements and adds elements that let our riders know they are welcome and that we are proud to be part of their communities.”
The CTA plans to invest approximately $6.5 million in improvements through November, covering 28 rail stations and 14 bus turnaround locations throughout the system. Work will span multiple lines, including the Red, Blue, Green, Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple and Yellow lines.
Planned improvements range from structural repairs—such as concrete work and utility upgrades—to cosmetic enhancements like painting, lighting improvements, signage replacement and power washing. CTA crews will also conduct detailed inspections at each site to identify both immediate and long-term repair needs.
In addition, the agency will deploy seasonal cleaning teams to power wash all 146 rail stations regularly from spring through fall, targeting grime accumulated during winter months.
The initiative also includes a partnership with the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Greencorps Chicago program, which provides job training and workforce development opportunities tied to the landscaping components of the project.
CDOT Acting Commissioner William Cheaks Jr. said the collaboration supports both infrastructure and workforce goals.
“This partnership connects residents to real-world training and career pathways while supporting improvements that will make stations more welcoming for riders,” he said.
Improvements are scheduled at stations across the city, including key stops such as Sox-35th, Loyola, Addison, Forest Park, Pulaski, 35th/Bronzeville and Dempster-Skokie, among others.
CTA officials said the continued expansion of Refresh & Renew reflects a long-term commitment to modernizing the transit system while enhancing rider experience and community impact.
Mayor Johnson, CTA Announce Expansion of ‘Refresh & Renew’ Program Across Transit System
