Suburbanites want more investment in mass transit
July 29, 2010 | Mark Thomton | Print Article | Email this Article
The Chicago suburbs are built on roads, but for the first time suburbanites are questioning this arrangement as many want more tax dollars dedicated to mass transit options than roads.
A recent Chicago Tribune poll shows that the majority of suburbanites now favor more transit spending.
Fifty-two percent of suburbanites said they agree with investing more of limited government resources in public transit, versus 32 percent who chose improvements to highways and toll roads. In a 1999 Tribune poll, 34 percent of suburban residents said more money should be spent on mass transit than on roads.
As one who has spent time in a hour-long commute (both ways), it’s easy to see why area residents are fed up. The suburban population has exploded in the last 20 years and more people have chased less expensive housing in far-flung locations, choosing to commute to Chicago’s job centers (Chicago, Naperville, Schaumburg, etc.). All this has made for gridlock that currently ranks Chicago third in the nation.
However, as the Tribune points out, while the public may be in favor of shifting the majority of dollars to public transportation, Metra and the Chicago Transit Authority, our two major transit providers, both suffer from image problems. Metra is embroiled in a scandal with its late executive director, while the CTA has often been viewed as a patronage vehicle.
Still, if the people voice their opinion, Springfield may have to listen. It remains to be seen if new regulations would be placed upon CTA or Metra if they are to receive a cash windfall of taxpayer dollars, but that is what some people are calling for.
Tags | Chicago, Chicago Tribune, CTA, Metra, Transit
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