More transportation jobs in Chicago could soon be created because of a railroad deal.

Canadian National Railway recently won the right to purchase EJ&E Railway from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

On the up side, the Chicago Metropolis 2020 has estimated the project could create 600 new jobs, a welcome notion while other jobs are being cut, and add $60 million to the local economy each year, while 80 communities will see a reduction in rail traffic. On the down side, according to an article by the Chicago Tribune, the sale will result in increased rail traffic Waukegan, Barrington, Aurora, Joliet and east into Indiana.

(more…)

One major fixture is cutting Chicago jobs.

Earlier this week, the Chicago Transit Authority announced it would save about $40 million in costs by cutting some operations and jobs. The company has cut 43 Chicago jobs, including nine management positions, and plans to cut even more positions in the near future.

According to an article by Progressive Railroading, CTA also cut jobs by realigning its technology, purchasing and law departments. By the end of the year, the company plans to cut a total of 80 administrative jobs through layoffs and attrition, a move expected to save the company $4.9 million.

(more…)