CBS Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) — The CTA was awarded a $750,000 grant to help it train the next generation of bus mechanics.
The grant is one of 19 announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation that will benefit transit agencies and training schools in nine states.
The CTA initiative will be a part of the agency’s successful Second Chance Program, which trains non-violent ex-offenders, victims of abuse, and others who face barriers to employment.
CTA President Dorval Carter calls it “a win-win situation for CTA and for candidates who commit to being successful.”
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the program will teach participants skills that will be in an increasing demand over the next decade. More than 500 people have participated in the program since May 2011. It currently provides jobs for 265 people, also including a number of workers who clean CTA ‘L’ trains, stations and buses.
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