95th/Dan Ryan (9500S/1W)
95th Street and Dan Ryan Expressway, Roseland

Service Notes:

	Red Line: Dan Ryan
	Accessible Station
	Owl Service

Quick Facts:

Address: 15 W. 95th Street
Established: September 28, 1969
Original Line: West-South Route, Dan Ryan branch
Previous Names: 95th

Skip-Stop Type:

Station

Rebuilt: 2000-01 (elevator added, minor renovations), 2003 (bus terminal renovations)
Status: In Use

History:

After the success of the Congress line built in the median of the Congress Expressway in 1958 (see UofI-Halsted for more), the Dan Ryan, Kennedy and Stevenson Expressways were built with wide medians for the same purpose. (The latter's was never utilized.) Construction of the Dan Ryan Expressway transit route was started in January 1968 and the new line was put into service September 28, 1969.

The design of 95th and the other eight stations of the Dan Ryan line were carried out by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill under the direction of Myron Goldsmith, who developed a modern, functional form in the late International style popular at the time. Improved visibility and security, ease of cleaning and more comfortable working conditions for CTA employee were design goals. Skidmore took the Kennedy-Dan Ryan ("KDR") project in a unique direction, designing all aspects of the new lines to harmonize in both shapes and materials. All windbreaks, dividers, and ticket booths were stainless steel. The supports of the transparent platform canopies and the structures of the station enclosures are white-painted steel frames, and the enclosures themselves are glass. The formal and functional criteria were expressed in several ways: open, uncluttered, brightly lit interior spaces; durability, safety, maximum efficiency of movement; lightness and purity of structure. The shape of everything, from the buildings to the agents' booths, to the trashcans, followed together into a seamless design philosophy, which perfectly captured the boxy, purely functional International Modern style for which Skidmore is so well known.

The commemorative brochure published for the event describes the stations this way:

"The Dan Ryan line provides a 20.5 mile direct transit route between the south and west sectors of the city. Passengers boarding trains at the 95th Street terminal can travel to the Loop in 20 minutes. They can transfer to other CTA services along the way, or remain on board the same train and travel west on the Lake Street line to Oak Park and Forest Park, completing the entire trip in 45 minutes.

The new rapid transit facilities were planned to provide a balanced system coordinated with other existing transportation serving the metropolitan area. Suburban and interurban bus lines will serve the 95th Street terminal of the Dan Ryan Line.

Nine stations serve the Dan Ryan Line... Wide visibility and a high level of illumination are characteristic features in all areas. Fare collection equipment and turnstiles are stainless steel and... escalators supplement stairs for movement between station levels. Stations in the expressway medians are constructed of steel and glass providing maximum visibility from adjacent streets and highways. The boarding platforms are long enough to accommodate 8-car trains... Steel framed canopies of translucent plastic [extend] beyond the center line of the tracks. Self-service infrared radiant heaters are located at windbreaks on the platforms.

Off-street bus transfer facilities are provided at the 95th Street terminal and at 69th Street station by means of bus bridges over the expressway traffic lanes. An off-street bus loop is also provided at the Cermak Road station..."

In terms of interior arrangement and design for the passenger, Skidmore generally followed the edict of modernist pioneer Mies van der Rohe that ‚ "less is more." Except for at a few locations (most notably 95th Street terminal), there were no concessions provided for passengers. Air conditioning and a compact washroom with a toilet were provided in the agents' booths. Restrooms were for employees only, though payphones were provided. Stainless steel turnstiles, now an industry standard, were first used here. The amenities and traffic circulation fit with the architectural design of the station: efficient but purely functional. Stations were designed with wide walkways and no blind corners, with turnstiles and agents booths arranged for maximum queuing and circulation effectiveness.

The finishing touches are being put on a new, permanent third agent's booth, with #5 and #6 agent positions, at 95th Terminal on July 2, 1976, one of the improvements made to the Dan Ryan Line in the 1970s. The station's traffic proved to be so high that the original four agent positions were insufficient during rush hour. The booth was put into service four days after the photo was taken. For a larger view, click here. (Photo from the CTA Collection)

In addition to the station, the 95th Street terminal facility also includes car shop, capable of servicing 8 cars at a time, and a storage yard, with a 130 car capacity, to the south at 98th Street in the median of Interstate 94.

The 95th Street station is the furthest south the "L" extends, although it is still about 30 blocks from the city limits. On a typical day, 50,000 people pass through the 95th Street station to or from trains, making it the CTA's most active. It also indicates a need for further extension of this service, which was proposed in the form of an extension of this line to 130th Street in the CATS 2020 Transportation Plan.

In the Summer of 1976, the bridges over the Dan Ryan Expressway from the fare control area to the east and west bus terminals were enclosed. Originally open air walkways protected only by handrailings, the bridges were enclosed with floor-to-ceiling windows that protected passengers from increment weather and the harsh environment of the expressway below. At the same time, a third permanent two-position ticket agent's booth was added to the station house to accommodate the larger number of passengers that were using 95th Terminal.

In early summer 1991, 95th Street became the first "L" station to enact an exact fare requirement for passengers, standard on the "L" today. Though many passengers were apprehensive about the change, most gave favorable reviews after service was expedited as a result. On February 21, 1993, the routing of the "L" was reconfigured when a new connection opened between the Dan Ryan line and State Street Subway. Dan Ryan trains were routed through to Howard Street forming the new "Red Line" and Englewood and Jackson Park elevated lines, previously linked with Howard Street, become linked with Lake Street line via Loop elevated, forming the new "Green Line". Platform signs still identify this station, called 95/Dan Ryan on route signs and maps, as 95th/State.

Station Remodeling

In 2000, a series of improvements to the 95th/Dan Ryan terminal began, including a new police holding room and station-wide improvements to flooring, heating/air-conditioning, lighting, telephone and public address systems. Also part of the project were improvements for ADA accessibility, including the installation of hand rails, power doors, and an elevator. A new platform ceiling was installed and the architectural features (relatively speaking, since 95th is really a rather stark, open plan design) of the front of the building were modified.

The island platform at 95/Dan Ryan, looking north in Summer 1999. The extra wide platform (relative to other Dan Ryan facilities) helps accommodate the larger passenger loads of a terminal with numerous bus connections. For a larger view, click here. (Photo from the Chicago Transit Authority Collection)

The first Current Graphic Standard station name signs came to the Dan Ryan Line and 95th/Dan Ryan in early November 2001, not in the form of replacements but in addition to the current station name signs. The signs that are current in place in station windbreaks are still the original signs from when the branch opened in 1969. They are unusual for several reasons. First, they were the original prototypes for the KDR (which stands for Kennedy-Dan Ryan, the lines were they were tested) signage standard, which the CTA later adopted for the entire system. They are also made of an unusual material -- not enamel on steel, like most station name signs -- which makes them difficult to remove and replace (one of the problems working with prototypes of things).

These signs, however, have been left in place for the time being. The new signs have been installed at two stations in addition to the originals. The new signs are located on new white steel poles and brackets mounted on the median wall between the tracks and the Dan Ryan Expressway traffic lanes, thus placing them facing the platforms rather than on them. Placed only at Sox-35th and 95th/Dan Ryan, they were installed as part of the CTA's upgrading of those facilities to ADA-compliance, which was largely completed with the installation of elevators, tactile platform edging, Braille Tactile signs, wheelchair gates, and other improvements. The signs on the outsides of the tracks, facing the platform, are required by ADA guidelines, though it us unclear exactly why it is necessary to have signs in these locations (rather than on the platform, where they are already clearly visible) to satisfy the guidelines. Interestingly enough, this marks the first time that a station name sign reading "95th/Dan Ryan" has been placed at this station: the name was changed in the mid-1990s from just "95th" (or "95" or "95th Terminal", depending on the map or person) to "95th/Dan Ryan" (somewhat more descriptive), but the original KDR station name signs that read "95/State" were (and are) still in place.

The 95th/Dan Ryan station became the newest participant in the CTA's Adopt-A-Station Program in late July 2002, adopted by the Coalition for Developing the 95th Street Corridor. The coalition is dedicated to the economic and cultural development of the neighborhood served by the 95th/Dan Ryan station. A mural that was created for the station is part of the coalition's street beautification project. Local artist Katie Flowers painted the mural which is representative of the community, including the local Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program and Chicago State University, that comprise the neighborhood served by the 95th/Dan Ryan station. Adopt-A-Station is a CTA initiative launched in 1997 to develop partnerships between community organizations, local businesses and individuals. The goal of the program is to create rail stations that reflect the history and diversity of the communities served by the CTA and to position those stations as the gateway to the communities they serve.

Mayor Richard Daley and CTA officials at the adoption ceremony trumpeted the improved facility as a model of things to come. Daley said a $250 million renovation of stations along the Dan Ryan portion of the Red Line will begin in 2003, the first major rehabilitation of that part of the line since 1969. "These are necessary improvements if we expect more and more people to leave their cars home and ride the CTA," Daley said. Daley and officials from the communities that surround the 95th Street station said they hope improvements along the Red Line will help spark economic development on the South Side.

In December 2002, CTA officials unveiled a security camera pilot program that allows the agency to record activity at four stations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to deterring vandalism and aiding the Chicago Police Department in identifying offenders, the cameras will enable the CTA to observe platform conditions and ridership patterns, an important factor when determining schedules and service levels. CTA has strategically placed security cameras, monitors and digital recording devices at key points throughout four stations: Roosevelt and 95th/Dan Ryan stations on the Red Line, Kedzie on the Green Line and 35/Archer on the Orange Line. On average, participating stations have six cameras and two monitors each. Activity can be recorded along the platforms, on stairways, as well as near elevators, escalators and transit card vending machines at the pilot stations. If the program is cost effective, a crime deterrent and technologically sound, it may be expanded to other rail stations.

Bus Terminal Rehab

On April 3, 2003, the Chicago Transit Board approved a $4.5 million contract to renovate the 69th and 95/Dan Ryan bus bridges as well as the bus turnaround at 95th Street. The bus bridge element of the project included rehabilitation of bridge supports, replacement of the bridge deck including busway pavement, curbs and walkways, refurbishment of barriers and fencing on the bridge, and installation of a new lighting system. Steel girders will be cleaned and painted. The bus turnaround had all passenger islands, sidewalks and pavement replaced. The bridge and turnaround work did not significantly affect rail or expressway traffic. Repairs to abutments, piers, and retaining walls were minor. All improvements conformed to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Funding was provided by Illinois FIRST, the Federal Transit Administration and the Regional Transportation Authority.

Phase One of the reconstruction of the 95th/Dan Ryan bus terminal, seen here nearing completion on August 31, 2003, will transition into Phase Two on Tuesday. For a larger view, click here. (Photo by Graham Garfield)

Beginning Wednesday, September 17, 2003, bus customers using the 95th/Dan Ryan bus terminal had new drop off and pick up points as the project to rebuild the bus bays progressed from phase 1 to phase 2. Six bus routes moved to new permanent stops and three will moved to different temporary stops. All other buses continued to use the temporary pick up and drop off points they had been using since June. With the reopening of the bus bridge spanning the Dan Ryan Expressway between State and Lafayette on the north side of the terminal, Greyhound buses picked up and dropped off customers on the bridge once again. This also meant that customers accessing the Greyhound ticket office on the north end of the building did so from the bus bridge or by exiting the paid area through a rotogate, as was the practice before the bus terminal project began, thus ending the problematic arrangement of getting customers to the ticket office from the unpaid area without allowing admittance into the paid area.

Reconstruction of the bus terminal entered its final phase on Thursday, October 23, 2003, triggering reconfiguration of bus drop off and pick up points for one final week. Construction was complete on the east side of the bus terminal, allowing three additional bus routes (#106 East 103rd, #108 Halsted/95th and Pace route #352 Halsted) to move to permanent stops at that location. They joined the #N5 South Shore Night Bus, #N9 Ashland Night Bus, #95W West 95th, #100 Jeffrey Manor Express, #111 Pullman/111th/115th and #112 Vincennes/111th which moved to the permanent stop locations September 17. Additionally, stops for the #34 South Michigan, #95E 93rd/95th and #119 Michigan/119th, which were temporarily located on the east side of the new terminal in September, permanently moved to the west side of the terminal. Bus routes continuing to use temporary bus stop locations for another week are #29 State and #103 West 103rd buses along with Pace routes #353, #359, #381 and #395.

The Chicago Transit Authority has completed the main phase of reconstruction on the Red Line's 95th/Dan Ryan station bus terminal -- a busy transportation hub, providing a connection point for CTA , Pace and Greyhound buses and the CTA's Red Line -- on Friday, October 31, 2003. The last of the bus routes -- CTA's #103 West 103rd along with Pace routes #353, #359, #381 and #395 -- moved to permanent stops on the west side of the reconstructed terminal effective with the completion of the project. The West Terminal is the home to the #34 South Michigan, #95E 93rd/95th and #119 Michigan/119th, and #103 West 103rd CTA buses, along with Pace routes #353, #359, #381 and #395. Bus routes using the East Terminal are the #N5 South Shore Night Bus, #9 Ashland, #95W West 95th, #100 Jeffery Manor Express, #106 East 103rd, #108 Halsted/95th, #111 Pullman/111th/115th, #112 Vincennes/111th and Pace route #352. The #29 State and Greyhound buses use the bus bridge spanning the Dan Ryan Expressway between State and Lafayette on the north side of the terminal.

Mayor Richard M. Daley, Congressman Bobby Rush and Chicago Transit Authority officials on Saturday, November 15, 2003 for a press conference showcasing the $3.1 million in renovations made on the bus bridge and bus turnaround. Congressman Rush announced that he had been able to secure an additional $1 million for additional work at 95th above the money already budgeted.

Other Developments

During Autumn 2004 and Spring 2005, several "L" stations got new station name signs. As part of a multi-station program, twelve facilities in all on the Blue, Purple, Red, Orange, and Green lines received new, Current Graphic Standard station name signs, replacing older KDR-type signs that used an outdated graphic scheme that was inconsistent with the colored line names. The new signs not only replaced old ones in existing locations at these island platform stations, but were added at additional locations outside the tracks, facing to the platform, for ADA compliance. 95th/Dan Ryan got new sign faces, but used the existing jersey barrier supports out side the tracks. On the platforms, new overhead brackets were installed to suspend the signs over the windbreaks, rather than placing the new signs in the windbreaks where the old ones were. Installation at all stations was complete by the end of November 2004. Fabrication and installation of the signs was performed by contractor Western Remac.

On June 6, 2005, the CTA launched a pilot program at eight rail stations (as well as on 10 of its wide-door Nova buses) to help speed boarding for customers by dedicating one turnstile as an express fare payment lane (called a "Go Lane") for those paying with either Chicago Card (regular or Plus) smartcard fare media. The dedicated lanes are identified by signs over the turnstile and on the floor in front of it. The eight selected rail stations in addition to 95th/Dan Ryan were Howard, Chicago, and 79th on the Red Line; Jefferson Park on the Blue Line; and both the Thompson Center and 203 N. LaSalle entrances to Clark/Lake, the Randolph-Washington mezzanine of Washington/State, and the Randolph-Washington mezzanine of Washington/Dearborn downtown. CTA chose these stations because they are geographically balanced and serve a high volume of customers who transfer between bus and rail.

The pilot was conducted to determine if providing a dedicated turnstile at stations would help to speed boarding and, therefore, speed service. The pilot also provided an additional incentive for customers to switch to Chicago Card fare options. The faster and easier the boarding process, the more the transit experience is improved for existing customers. Faster boarding also helps to attract new customers.

CTA monitored the Go Lane boarding times during morning and evening rush periods to measure time saved during boarding, as well as the ratio of customers using electronic fare media compared to cash or transit cards. Customer reaction and ease of use were also evaluated as part of the pilot to determine whether use of Go Lanes should expand.

In the FY 2006 Federal Transportation Appropriations bill, which became law on November 30, 2005, $800,000 was provided for performing 95th station improvements.

A train of Lake-Dan Ryan All-Stop 2200's are heading southbound into 95th Street, finishing their run, looking north from the 95th St. bridge in 1973. For an enlarged view, click here. (Photo by Leon Kay)

	95th02.jpg (59k) Car 2120 heads northbound out of 95th Street, seen from the 95th St. bridge looking north, sporting the Mint Green and Alpine White paint scheme in 1973. (Photo by Leon Kay)
	95th06.jpg (179k) The east bus bay of the West Terminal was still just a framework of rebar on October 12, 2003, looking south, during phase 2 of the reconstruction of the 95th station bus bridge and bays. (Photo by Graham Garfield)
	95th07.jpg (118k) The rebuilt bus bridge, used by the #29 State and Greyhound, has new concrete decking, sidewalks, fencing, and lighting, seen looking west on October 12, 2003. (Photo by Graham Garfield)
	95th08.jpg (136k) The East Terminal was completed first, seen looking south on October 12, 2003. Reconstruction is complete in this view, except for signage and repainting the canopy. (Photo by Graham Garfield)
	cta2231.jpg (108k) A 2-car Lake-Dan Ryan All-Stop train, led by car 2231, pulls out of the 95th Terminal on July 4, 1971. Except for the lack of 2200-series cars assigned to the Dan Ryan Line, the scene has changed little today. (Collection of Joe Testagrose)
	cta1776f.jpg (112k) Car 1776 leads a multi-car train of Bicentennial 2000s on a Lake-Dan Ryan "B" run preparing to leave 95th Street on September 23, 1976. (Photo by Doug Grotjahn, Collection of Joe Testagrose)
	cta2111.jpg (124k) Car 2111, painted in the Bicentennial scheme as "Oak Park-All American City", leads a Lake-Dan Ryan "A" train of similar 2000-series Bicentennials loading passengers at 95th & State on September 23, 1976. "Oak Park-All American City" is one of only three Bicentennials not to be named with a Revolutionary War theme. (Photo by Doug Grotjahn, Collection of Joe Testagrose)
	cta2142.jpg (84k) Car 2142 trails a Lake-Dan Ryan "A" train of silver and black 2000-series cars loading passengers at 95th Street on July 30, 1974. (Photo by Doug Grotjahn, Collection of Joe Testagrose)
	cta2895.jpg Wrapped in special holiday decorations, car 2895 is behind the "sleigh" on the 2001 Santa's Express train, stopped at 95th/Dan Ryan between runs on December 9, 2001. (Photo by Mike Farrell)
	cta2894b.jpg Car 2894 is at the front of the 2001 CTA Holiday Train at 95th/Dan Ryan on December 9, 2001. (Photo by Mike Farrell)
	cta2898b.jpg 2600-series car 2898 will be at the head of the CTA Santa's Express holiday train when it leaves 95th/Dan Ryan for its trip north on the Red Line, looking northeast on December 9, 2001. (Photo by Mike Farrell)
	cta2735-36-Nokia.jpg (129k) Cars 2735-2736, featuring an ad for Nokia cellular phones, are in the middle of a Red Line consist at 95th/Dan Ryan terminal waiting to depart for downtown on July 31, 2004. (Photo by Mike Vainchtein)