Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has launched a new initiative to help Far South Side residents overcome financial barriers to job training and career opportunities. As part of the Red Line Extension (RLE) Project, the CTA will provide financial assistance through the Barrier Reduction Fund, designed to support residents in obtaining the clothing, tools, training, and transportation they need to enter the workforce.
Construction is set to begin in late 2025, with completion expected by 2030.
The Barrier Reduction Fund will provide up to $2,000 in assistance to eligible individuals in the project area. Funding can cover a range of expenses, including work boots, uniforms, transportation costs, and union application fees. The program aims to eliminate financial obstacles for those pursuing careers, even if they ultimately work for employers or projects outside of the CTA.
“This initiative will create new pathways to career opportunities for families on the Far South Side,” CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. said. “We understand that sometimes it’s the small things—like a pair of work boots or a transit card—that can stand in the way of a job opportunity. The Red Line Extension is not just about infrastructure; it’s about investing in the community.”
Eligibility and application process
To qualify for the Barrier Reduction Fund, individuals must meet two criteria: they must be actively participating in one of four workforce assistance programs partnering with the CTA and must reside in one of five Far South Side zip codes—60619, 60620, 60628, 60643, or 60827.
The partnering agencies are:
- Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT)
- HIRE 360
- Metropolitan Family Services (MFS)
- Revolution Workshop
Interested individuals must contact the workforce agency they are working with to inquire about funding assistance. Eligible expenses include mentorship, basic skills training, work clothing, tools, union application fees, car repairs, and transportation costs.
The Red Line Extension is a 5.5-mile expansion of the existing Red Line, extending from the 95th Street Terminal to near 130th Street. The project will add four new accessible stations at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue, and 130th Street, each featuring bus, bike, pedestrian, and parking facilities. Additionally, a new rail yard and related facilities will be built near 120th Street to improve operational efficiency on the Red Line.
The CTA’s Barrier Reduction Fund is one part of the broader effort to ensure local residents are well-positioned to take full advantage of the job and economic opportunities created by the project.
