| Transit
Website Home, Latest News and Updates From
HPKCC Transit Task Force. Transit
Task Force updates, reports.
To Parking Improvement District
proposal page.
Al Klinger says Investment in transit,
infrastructure key to world class city.
Contact service boards: see in CTA,
Metra, RTA
pages or the Transit Links
pages.
Link index of active transportation pages:
Links/Resources.
Doomsday
coming again this summer
U
of C/CTA routes, schedules/routes/changes and about.See UC
Routes page.
All
routes and their maps: http://www.yourcta.com/maps/bus/bus.html.
UC
interface is bus.uchicago.edu.
171 stop
kept, 173 to be changed?
And
report on the March 14 2007 hearing, changes to 170, 171 in UC
Routes.
Below
see Conference Reporter September 2006
article on UC/CTA routes, other transit issues.
HPKCC
has requested a community meeting on reopening 57th St. Stony to Lake
Park to 2-way traffic. Such a meeting is being planned.
Conversion of the Lakefront to pay parking is still up in the air. But
Ald. Hairston made a deal to use ald. menu money to keep 100 spots free
at 63rd St. beach
U
of C will be changing route 171 in East Hyde Park and adding a southwest
route into Woodlawn and Green Line some time this summer or early fall.
But 173 to north side and 174 to rapid transit will be gone.
Stay alert for sidewalk and street work, including improved curb cuts.
It seems the state will our of stimulus money fund the first stage feasibility
study of Gold Line Metra upgrade.
South Shore schedules are changing drastically, to accommodate passenger
usage and increase esp. between Michigan City and Chicago.
April
2009 HPKCC funded day transit passes for participants in the 2009 Teen
Summer Program at Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. This program teaches
teens how to use and trip-plan on CTA (encouraging an early buy-into-
using transit) and brings them to many diverse parts of Chicago. Read
page about.
The U
of C is taking a poll on alternative transportation usage on campus
and to campus. 1st question implies its' fro students, faculty and staff.
Go to http://www.sustainability.uchicago.edu/index.html.
The
watchword now is "Complete Streets." Any changes and
planning must now take into account everything from property line to
property line including walks, striping, signage, proper accommodation
for all modes and needs of less-abled and elderly.
April 2,
2009. A down payment on a state capital plan for transportation uses
state funds to leverage federal stimulus funds- total $3 billion. Gov.
Quinn has signed it. It
includes $490 for transit and a sizeable amount to the city for streets
and potholes. Known local projects so far include Lake Park Avenue.
The
capital package includes a mix of state funds and federal stimulus dollars
received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of
2009 to provide for a new multi-year capital program for roads, bridges
and mass transit. The $3 billion state portion of the capital program
is made possible by bonding $200 million in Road Fund dollars and another
$100 million from the General Revenue Fund. RTA (Moving Beyond Congestion)
says.
Could Tubular
Rail be an answer to the missing transportation component of the bid?
HPKCC board member Richard Buchner calls attention to it in an early
April 2009 blog article in The
May Report.
June
23, Tuesday, 6-8 pm. CTA Typology for station oriented development.
South Side open house at Chicago Urban League, 4510 S. Michigan.
The
latest revival of the Gray Line Lite concept (now Gold Line) is in Olympics
context, by the 5th Ward Olympics Task Force and by a wider Southsiders
Organizing for Unity and Liberation, becoming part of a newly launched
umbrella Communities for Equitable Olympics. The plan includes 10 minute
service, Visit http://alwaysintransit.typepad.com/hyde_park_urbanist/2008/08/gray-line-lite.html.
Chamber, HPKCC sign on. Kudos to James Withrow
and Linda Thisted. (Description of similar concepts started by Mike
Payne are in our Gray Line
page.) Note: These
kinds of transportation improvements, which involved comitting transit
agencies to do what the city and 2016 want, did not fit well in a Memorandum
between these two. Gold Line et al $1M feasibility studies are now being
sought via the state, possbily using federal money.
SOUL,
Communities for Equitable Olympics, legislators and aldermen along
the line have joined forces to 1) seek a full costing out study
2) include the project in an Olympics Benefit Agreement. Main components
are frequent service (will cost more rail cars), inter transfer,
and a new station in Bronzeville at 35th.
November
17, 2008: More information concerning the Gold Line transit proposal,
(Metra So Chic. Electr. upgrade-CTA lease-el-like frequency-univ.
card- added Bronzeville station) including an explanation of the name
change, can be found here:
http://alwaysintransit.typepad.com/hyde_park_urbanist/2008/11/gray-gold.html
Additionally,
SOUL, with HPKCC and CECD reps, met with staff from the offices of
Ald. Hairston (who hosted the meeting), Sen. Durbin, Rep. Jackson,
Majority Leader Currie, state Senator Raoul, Ald. Preckwinkle and
the Chicago Dep't of Transportation. Like most of our meetings with
politicians on this effort, this meeting was very positive and we
got commitments to go forward from all involved. Holdup now is Metra.
The Gold Line idea has taken off with local aldermen and state legislators
signing on, as well as organizations such as HPKCC and Hyde Park Chamber
of Commerce, UC officers- The
latest revival of the concept "Gray Line Lite," to be renamed)
is in Olympics context, by the 5th Ward Olympics Task Force and by
a wider Southsiders Organizing for Unity and Liberation, becoming
part of a newly launched Coalition for Equitable Olympics. Visit http://alwaysintransit.typepad.com/hyde_park_urbanist/2008/08/gray-line-lite.html.
SOUL, HPKCC, HP Chamber of Commerce and other groups have signed up.
Officials near the Metra including Ald. Hairston and Preckwinkle,
Rep. Currie, Sen. Raoul, UC, CMAP have shown enthusiasm or signed
up and helped. At a meeting with Doug Arnot and others of Chicago
2016, strong support and sense of consistency with Olympic goals were
expressed. It can't go into the bid book because it's not funded,
but after the bid is awarded, planning could go forward, including
gaining federal funds for the purchase of cars and other upgrades
and the agency arrangements and card interchange needed. The regional
planning agency CMAP has been very supportive, considering this as
bringing much more ridership at lower cost ($160 m) than other expansion
plans. The plan includes 10 minute service, fare transfer convert
ability, track and signal upgrade, new cars, and a new station between
47th and 27th.
April
7, 2009. Gold Line dropped from CBA but still backed by Chicago Maroon-
asks UC admin to push.
For
the last few days, representatives of the International Olympic
Committee (IOC) have been wined and dined as city officials shuttled
them between sites of proposed Olympic venues. IOC members have
seen a host of glitzy proposals for multi-million dollar projects
and infrastructural improvements. What they haven't seen is anything
resembling a strategy for revamping the city's transportation system.
Instead, the bid relies on the existing train network along with
temporary shuttle services, but pointedly offers nothing in the
way of long-term improvements.
For
Hyde Parkers, this represents a wasted opportunity. The proposed
"Gold Lien" -- an El route that would take the place of
the South Shore [South Chicago] Metra Line in East Hyde Park --
would be a boon for the neighborhood. The line, which would run
every 10 minutes and allow 25-cent transfers to other CTA buses
and trains, has been pushed with an eye toward the Olympics (hence
the name). The idea behind this initiative is that the Games would
increase congestion and a new El line would be necessary to serve
the massive influx of people. Most appealing to Hyde Parkers is
that long after the Olympic torch is snuffed, the Gold Line will
still be here.
the
Gold Line is a good fit for Hyde Park whether or not Chicago gets
the bid, but the Olympics present the best chance to push it through.
An El stop, particularly in conjunction with Olympic-sized crowds
-- an, in an ideal world, a new hotel -- would spur development
in the neighborhood. Hyde Park would become a more attractive destination
for retailers and restaurateurs, and a more convenient one for tourists.
For students, meanwhile, freezing late-night waits for the 55 at
Garfield would become a thing of the past. If the Gold Line materialized,
Hyde Park would undoubtedly be a more appealing place to live. On
a broader scale, new transit options would also be environmentally
friendly, giving Hyde Parkers adn outsiders an incentive to leave
their cars at home.
The
U of C exerts considerable influence as one of the South Side's
major institutions, and with its purchase of properties in Washington
Park and with President Zimmer's seat on the 20156 Exploratory Committee,
the University has been actively involved in the bid. Going forward,t
eh U of C should take full advantage of its clout to push for new
transit options for Hyde Park.
The
Olympics wouldn't be a panacea for all of Chicago's problem. But
it inarguably presents a unique opportunity for massive infrastructural
improvements. The U of C and the city should not trip over the finish
line when it comes to public transit.
http://www.movingbeyondcongetion.org.
Why
we need a capital plan, more.
The University
discussed and is seems to be considering or planning changes with bus
routes (See initial in New 173 page,
but more info is needed).
South Side closest
spring 2009 hearings on capital needs from the state capital bill esp.-
$10 billion in needs, they say.
Chicago: South 4/8/2009 Simeon Career Academy Auditorium
8147 S. Vincennes Ave. , Chicago, IL 10 a.m.
Linking
affordable housing with transportation access. March 2009.
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Secretary, Shaun Donovan,
and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary, Ray LaHood, both
testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation,
and Housing and Urban Development and announced the creation of an interagency
partnership to promote sustainable communities through coordinating
housing and transportation policy and investments.
NAPTA and
others have launched a campaign for renewal of the SAFETEA federal transportation
reauthorization due at the end of September, 2009. For more information
visit http://www.publictransportation.org.
What MPO
says is hopeful and needed from Pres. Obama's approach to transportation
and infrastructure (Jan. 2009):
MPC
is encouraged by President Obama’s pledge to do away with earmarking
in favor of an infrastructure investment strategy based on national
and regional goals and innovation.
Obama
referenced the lack of transparency in infrastructure decision-making
as a key factor driving “a devastating loss of trust and confidence
in our economy, our financial markets, and our government.”
A criteria-based approach to prioritizing infrastructure projects
not only would help restore voter trust, but also ensure taxpayer
dollars go to projects that achieve statewide goals.
MPC
also recommends infrastructure dollars be funneled first to metropolitan
regions, which account for the vast majority of national GDP and population.
The stimulus package should be a down payment on making our communities
more attractive, equitable and competitive.
Doomsday
is back on the table in June 2009, Service cuts are likely, up to 20%.
NOV.
13 2008 THE CTA BOARD VOTED A FARE INCREASE FOR JANUARY 2009.(There
are also 632 layoffs.) Here
are the changes for January 2009:
Bus up $.25- card and Chicago Card $1.75 (seniors free), cash up .25-
$2.25
Rail all $2.25 and no cash option; no bargain for cards. Up $.25 to
$.50. Transit card goes from $1.75 to $2.25, Chicago Card goes from
$1.75 to $2.25. All transfers stay $.25.
Passes go up 15% vs proposed 20%. 1-day pass goes up .75 to $5.75; 2-day
eliminated, 3-day goes from $12 to $14; 5-day eliminated; $7-day goes
from $20 to $23, 30-day goes from $75 to $86.
Ridership is up and fuel down, advert. rev. should go
up and the Governor has reinstated $32 m in reduced-fare subsidies,
but sales and real estate transfers are really down and maintenance
needs up.
Stimulus
spending expected by the city on transportation: 52 hybrid buses, Blue
Line upgrade, rail station improvements, 40 miles of arterial repaving
and 3 rebuilding.
Chicago
Card. It will still save you money- but not on rail in 2009. Have an
old card?
CTA now says they will allow you to transfer the value to new cards,
but there have been problems with the website (now cleared up?) http:/www.chicago-card.com/cc.
If you
expect to ride free as a senior (now in effect), you have to get an
RTA or CTA card. You
can go to the Seniors Center, City Hall nw corner 1st fl.
Pay a dollar for photo. Card takes 2-4 weeks to come.
By 2010
a system may be in effect on CTA where your credit cards will have a
chip allowing them to be read and automatically be debited by CTA readers
instantaneously- just tap the reader at turnstyle or on bus.
CTA
will enter into deals with credit card companies and will be able
to reduce use of its own cards, which is very expensive and time consuming
for them under the present vendor. This has been very successful in
Europe and Asia and is part of the move to one or just a few cards
vs having a card for every store etc. Deals will probably emerge as
with cards and banks-- sign up with us and get week of free transit
or an ongoing discount, or..... CTA will put the system out for bid
in early 2009. A question is what that will do to hopes for intermodality/universal
cards, as for a Metra Electric South Chicago "Gold Line"
(already is with PACE), since Metra is not moving in either direction,
at least at present.
Ways
to pay now: CTA Chicago Card. Value added at vending machines (few
outside CTA system)
CTA Chicago Card Plus. As above but can have value replenished automatically
from your bank or credit card
CTA magnetic strip transit cards, passes. Buy at Jewel, Dominick's
and some other locations (like phone cards)
Cash--buses only!
Read
about Bus Tracker, now coming locally, in the CTA
page.
Link
to emergency and diversion-from-route information at the website. Coming
early next year sign up for CTA email alert. Learn about emergency evacuation
procedures at chicagotribune.com/ctatraining,
www.metrarail.com,
www.pacebus/com.
Breaking
news:
High
speed rail was approved in the federal stimulus plan. See such sites
as recovery.illinois.gov
for what other transportation enhancements are being considered for
the money.
Gold
Line: SOUL, Communities for Equitable Olympics, legislators and aldermen
along the line have joined forces to 1) seek a full costing out study
2) include the project in an Olympics Benefit Agreement. Main components
are frequent service (will cost more rail cars), inter transfer, and
a new station in Bronzeville at 35th.
This was dropped from the CBA/Memorandum between the city and 2016 (there
seems to be no transportation component in the agreement).
Metropolitan
Planning Council on state capital spending bill and transportation:
With
Illinois’ transportation infrastructure – roads,
bridges, and transit – literally crumbling, MPC has been a steadfast
advocate for a new state capital investment program. MPC can support
HB1 – but only if it incorporates accountability measures that
will ensure smart spending of limited transportation dollars.
Read
about MPC’s position on HB1 >>
Learn
more about HB 2359, the Transportation Investment Accountability Act
>>
For
an opportunity to learn about the priorities of the new Senate leadership,
join us on Friday, March 20 at noon for MPC’s Legislative Forum,
Making Sense of Springfield: A Progress Report from the Illinois Senate
>>
#173
transformation would clearly improve outside access for UC students
and staff, but require distant students or residents to get to Reynolds
club to use. See in UC/CTA Routes
page.
A
new threat to transit sustainability and growth? Canadian National's
(includes IC) plan to divert freight away from Chicago. Now we know
why they opted out of planning to fix the gridlock. They appear shocked
at opposition.
Center
for Neighborhood Technology unveils new web tool on transit efficient
sustainable neighborhood design. Visit cnt.org.
Read article with comments from our Transit Task
Force chair from April 23 Herald.
IT'S
'NO DOOMSDAY' FOR CTA/RTA/Metra AND SENIORS WILL RIDE
FOR FREE AS SOON AS aPRIL AS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSES THE GOV.- AMENDED
TRANSIT FUNDING BILL ON JANUARY 17.The law includes 530 million in property
and sales tax increases. Details of the law's provisions on oversight
and fiscal accountability were unavailable. There will nonetheless be
a 10% Metra increase in February 2008. Transit
home.
DALEY'S CAPITAL INFUSION
In
February 2008 news reports confirmed that the city is bidding out its
parking meters, likely resulting in higher fees and maybe "righter"
pricing, but seeming to rule out a transportation enhancement district
sharing revenue with communities.
53rd Street
meeting to feature transit talk- Herald March 5, by Kate Hawley
An expert
on transit-oriented development will speak in Hyde Park next week, as
part of ongoing public discussions about how to redevelop Hyde Park's
53rd Street commercial corridor. Linda Young, a researcher with the
Center for Neighborhood Technology, will give the talk at the March
10 meeting of the 53rd street TIF Council. The meeting will be held
at 7 p.m. at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave.
The goal
of transit-oriented development (TOD) is to cut down on the ill effects
of sprawl by reducing dependence on cars. Its best-known precept is
to locate new development near mass-transit hubs. But, as Young explained,
it also aims to reduce auto traffic and congestion in other ways, by
calling for compact, mixed-use developments that are friendly to pedestrians
and bicycles. Residents in these mixed-use buildings support the businesses
in them, thereby creating vibrant street life, Young said. And residents
rarely need their cars to go shopping.
TOD often
requires less parking, she added, which bucks the conventional wisdom
that denser development inevitably leaves traffic hassles in its wake.
"Density is a term some people are afraid of because of a lot of
misconceptions," Young said. She noted that density can mean high-rises
surrounded by seas of parking lots; it can also mean mid-rise buildings
with shops on the ground floor and residences above, surrounded by inviting
sidewalks.
Hyde Park
residents would do well to consider these ideas, said Irene Sherr, a
local planning consultant who invited Young to speak. She pointed out
that 53rd and 51st street intersect with a Metra station and a handful
of bus routes.
Sherr
emphasized that several sites proposed for redevelopment sit near this
transit hub, including Harper Court, the larger 53rd Street commercial
corridor and Village Center, the shopping center on the southwest corner
of Hyde Park Boulevard and Lake Park Avenue. "All of these development
opportunities that are there could be viewed through th e lens of TOD,"
said Sherr. "It's something all of us should think about."
The Center
for Neighborhood Technology is a Chicago nonprofit that has worked on
a national level to build sustainable communities, including research
and advocacy for TOD.
Al
Klinger says investment in public transportation, infrastructure
key to our world-class status. (Herald, October 31, 2007.
Klinger is a member of the HPKCC Transit and Mobility Task Force.)
I
have just returned from Berlin. If you recall it was bombed to
smithereens during WWII. Today it is a phoenix that has arisen
from the ashes. It is just about the most exciting city I have
ever experienced. And that includes its public transportation
which will take you anywhere by bus, U-bahn and S-bahn quietly,
efficiently, comfortably and affordably. There are lit up marques
at all the stations or stops telling you when the next train or
bus is coming which is quite accurate. The legislators there seem
to have put together a smooth system that works. They do not have
to even collect fares, nor do they have machines that check on
fares. And not too many try to cheat the system, because if they
are caught they are fined severely. This saves the system enormous
amounts of money and keeps people moving quickly.
In
this city and state our legislators about choke when you ask them
for a dime to improve the public transportation system. In Chicago
alone, the City Council has not given a penny over three million
dollars [yearly] to subsidize it since the '70s. Nor are we getting
any help from D.C. where their priority is some insane war where
they drop $500 billion dollars in the blink of an eye.
There
is something special about the American Way. e just put in office
elected officials with no understanding of what makes communities
safe, sound, secure and healthy. The next things they will be
asking us to accept will be the shutting off of all street lamps,
the stopping of garbage removal, the abandonment of sewer drainage
and water supply as well as the abandonment of public health activities
and institutions.
Public
transportation is the lifeblood of a world-class city. Many things
point to the fact that in the bodies of legislature there is little
concern about being first rate. It is because of this we continue
to suffer the consequences of being second and third rate, year
after year. |
Daley
announces $227 million start on repairs, upgrade in February 2008- demands
results by fall 2009, and a state Capital Plan.
From
Chicago Tribune Red Eye article, February 15, 2008
Mayor
Daley issued a challenge Thursday to the CTA: on-time buses, cleaner
and quieter trains, attractive shops in rail stations, and fare machines
that accept credit cards. Daley demanded that he start seeing quick
results as he announced $227 million project to improve the safety,
reliability and comfort of CTA trains and buses.
Although
the mayor didn't mention Chicago's Summer Olympic bid, most of the
improvements would be completed before October 2009 when the International
Olympic Committee is set to name the host city for the 2006 games.
The
planned new CTA investment focuses on its most pressing problems,
as well as on introducing amenities that would benefit everyday customers
as well as visitors from abroad. The top priorities include eliminating
"slow zones" on the rail system, overhauling outdated bus
and train fleets to reduce equipment breakdown, installing more security
cameras and using global-positioning system technology to inform readers
about delays.
CTA
officials did not consult with the RTA before releasing the latest
blueprint for improvements Thursday. The RTA essentially has veto
authority over individual transit projects under newly passed state
legislation. But RTA officials say they appreciate the mayor's involvement
and understand his motivation. "It's going to take a
while to turn around the deterioration that has occurred at the CTA,"
said RTA Executive Director Steve Schlickman.
Daley
on Thursday called on the CTA to redouble its commitment to
operate a quality system and not relax in the wake of recent passage
of new state funding for transit operations. The immediate goal is
"improving the customer experience," said Daley
at CTA headquarters. "Ours is a 1920s system. It's costly and
inefficient."
Rehabbing
the emergency exits in the Red Line and Blue Line subway and installing
new larger canopies on elevated train platforms, both by
December, are among the goals City Hall set for the CTA.
Without
a state capital spending budget to help pay for infrastructure, CTA
officials said they have no choice except to issue bonds to finance
th $227 million project in part. They
hope the bonds would be paid off with anticipated future federal transit
funding. But a state capital program must be approved no later
than early 2009 to safeguard tens of millings of dollars in federal
funds earmarked for the CTA, Metra and Pace. That would require
the legislature and Gov. Blagojevich to set aside their differences
over how to pay for structural improvements statewide. "The state
needs to act," Daley said.
Top
Centers
for Neighborhood Technology unveils webtool to transit-efficient mortgages,
transit-sustainable neighborhoods and more. Includes comments
by the HPKCC Transit Task Force chair, James Withrow.
Hyde
Park Herald, April23, 2008. By Kate Hawley
Longtime
Hyde Park resident Charlotte Des Jardins hasn't driven a car in three
decades--which she estimates has saved her $150,000. "You can
literally go anywhere on public transportation," she said. She
takes it to work downtown, to farflung parts of the city and even
out to the suburbs, where she recently visited a friend in the hospital.
That's
an example of how public transportation can cut down on the cost of
living, according to the Center for Neighborhood Technology, a Chicago-based
nonprofit that focuses on sustainable urban development.
In early
April, the center unveiled an online tool that looks at the affordability
of hosing based on access to public transit. The two-year project
was supported in part by the Brookings Institution. Through interactive
maps, the site reveals that living in the suburbs isn't necessarily
a better bargain. While home prices tend to be cheaper the father
you go from th city's core, those savings are often offset by the
higher costs associated with car ownership and commuting, according
to the center's data.
to create
the web site, the center used information from the 2000 Census in
52 metropolitan areas, including Chicago. Color-coded maps give a
visual breakdown of demographics such as median household income,
average monthly rent, housing affordability, vehicle ownership and
access to public transportation.
The
center is considering ways it can update the data, especially to reflect
the recent rise in gas prices, according to Nichole Gotthelf, a spokesperson.
A zoom function allows users to spotlight Hyde Park. according to
the map, the neighborhood has a high degree of public transit
"connectivity," meaning that everyone who lives in the neighborhood
is within walking distance of at least two public transportation stops.
Large swaths of the neighborhood are near 9 or more stops.
But
Hyde Park's public transportation could be better, argues
James withrow, a neighborhood resident since 2001 and the author of
the blog Hyde Park Urbanist. "There are a lot of different choices
here, which is wonderful," he said, but the CTA and Metra trains
don't connect well." Withrow is a supporter of the Gray Line,
and idea floated by Mike Payne, a transit buff with no Chicago Transit
Authority (CTA) affiliation who's nonetheless gotten some attention
in the press for his proposal to convert Metra tracks running south
and southeast from downtown into a CTA-run service. This, Withrow
argues, would make Hyde Park more inviting as a shopping destination
for those who live outside the knighthood.
For
those who live in the neighborhood, bus and train options are plentiful,
Des Jardins said. She has no complaints about the CTA, only about
the very occasional rider who doesn't allow a senior citizen like
herself a spot in one of the priority seats. "I don't know why
people complain about public transportation," she said. "It's
really not bad when you consider that there's very little available
in most places."
Top
_________________
To
Moving Beyond Congestion progress and program report
for funding, reform.
RTA, CTA, Metra... warned of doomsday if the state
continues to ignore immediate realities of transit funding. Now
a real crisis for all the service agencies looms September 16. And Moving
beyond congesting and other RTA proposals seem to be getting little
play in the legislature. Rep. Hamos says action must be taken- needed
for immediate needs is the $54 M for paratransit extended plus $172
M (CTA's annual shortfall is 110 million). We can't keep redirecting
capital money, experts say--capital needs are $2 billion annually. Suggested
options range from increases in the regional sales tax (quarter percent?),
or a tax on services, or new casinos.
Outcome uncertain as of this writing as transit seems to be left out
of Madigan's plan. But...
House Transit Committee voted overwhelmingly for a reorganization, funding
and accountability act, including a quarter cent sales tax increate
in the 6-county area. (The legislature after passing a one month continuing
resolutions on the entire budget.) Likely loses
if there is no deal are routes #1 and #2 Hyde Park Express. And
lots of people interviewed by the Herald are disgruntled. See
CTA page, Fare Hike,
Regional. The legislature
is to reconvene after Labor day on CTA
and other matters including casino and infrastructure/capital (all tied
together).
CTA--and
the other agencies? are going for a real restructuring act rather than
another band-aid. August
11 Speaker Madigan had said he will take a couple days off then meet
with Rep Hamos (bill sponsor), according to the Tribune, "to build
the bipartisan support to pass the transit bill in the House."
Passage or override of a gubernatorial veto require 3/5 majority. What
we are told is more likely is a casino bill to inter alia give more
to transit, roads et al.
Here is
what Moving Beyond Congestion supported August 2007:
Senate
Bill 572 will stop imminent fare hikes, service cuts, and
deferred maintenance for CTA, Metra and Pace
Below,
please find links to a summary of the transit funding and reform
proposal transit funding and reform proposal currently pending in
the
Illinois House of Representatives and a strong endorsement of the
plan
from the Daily Herald.
SB 572
Amendment 3 Fact Sheet
Daily
Herald - Transit Funding Endorsement August 10, 2007
Amendment
3 to Senate Bill 572 is a fair, equitable and reasonable
operating funding proposal that balances the transportation needs
of
the entire region. We urge you to follow the link below to
contact
your legislator and ask them to support SB 572.
http://capwiz.com/rc/utr/1/GSKXHNCYJZ/MDZMHNDASH/1352719301
Here is
reply from Tom Cross, House Minority Leader:
Thank
you for your correspondence regarding our need to invest in the
future of our State by investing in mass transit. We are at a critical
juncture in our state's history when it comes to this issue. We can
either choose to enhance and expand our public transportation options,
or
we can watch our public transportation system dwindle and bring our
state's economy down with it.
The
General Assembly is currently reviewing several proposals to add
crucial funding to the Regional Transportation Authority, Chicago
Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace. The need to face this problem
is
great, as if we allow our mass transit options to decline, it will
be
twice as hard for the State to build that system back up, let alone
improve it.
In the
coming weeks and months both state and local elected officials
will continue to meet and discuss possible solutions to our common
problems. It is important that we continue to debate these matters
thoroughly because the decisions we make today will affect our state
for
generations to come. It is also important that the citizens of Illinois
continue to be engaged in this public debate as well, because elected
officials rely on the opinions of their constituents when making such
important decisions.
It is
also noteworthy that any capital bill to provide for
infrastructure improvements that passes the General Assembly must
pass
by a 3/5ths vote instead of a simple majority. That means that the
House Republicans will be actively engaged in this debate, and our
opinions and views will be considered before any final agreement is
reached.
Again,
thank you for your interest in this matter, and you can rest
assured that the General Assembly and the House Republicans are working
diligently to finding a solution that will allow us to invest in our
future.
Sincerely,
Tom Cross
CTA
did very belatedly reach a tentative agreement with their unions ( 3
percent or more for 5 years but heavy give back on health and pension)
once it was clear they have to prove to the state that they are being
fiscally responsible. The pact depends on their getting not $130 million
but $200 million from Springfield (which is again passing a continuing
resolution on the budget for one month.)
At
the June 13, 2007 public hearing little hope was offered on the $226
million projected RTA shortfall as of July 1. CTA was offering a combination
from 4 options for its $110 million share, should the legislature not
come thorough., These options mix fare increases, service cuts, and
wiping out capital expenditures. The board's preferred plan would raise
fares $1.25 during rush hours and 25 cents during off-peak, raise the
monthly pass to c. $122 a month and there would be various service cuts
amounting to 15 percent. This would cover 36 percent of the
shortfall, with 58 percent from capital and 6 percent from administration.
Many
public interest groups are rooting for the measure reported by the Illinois
House Transit Committee, which includes a quarter cent sales tax hike
for the 3 service boards and more oversight. HERE IS WHAT THE OFFICIAL
AGENCY, MOVING BEYOND CONGESTION COALITION, HAS TO SAY ABOUT PROGRES
AND PROPOSALS:
RTA
proposal has broad, bi-partisan support and is the most viable
option to help save mass transit from massive fare increases
Dear
Partner for Transit:
Together
we have laid the framework for a regional solution to our
regional transit challenge. A strong bi-partisan majority of the
Illinois House Mass Transit Committee has already approved an operating
funding proposal and a package of reforms to improve coordination
and
efficiency in the transit system.
An agreement
has also been reached to reform the CTA pension and
retiree healthcare plan to improve accountability and the financial
condition of the system. The pension reform has been endorsed by the
RTA, CTA, Amalgamated Transit Union, Chicago Federation of Labor,
AFL-CIO, Mayor Daley, Civic Federation, Commercial Club, Taxpayers
Federation, Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Illinois
Manufacturers Association and State Chamber of Commerce.
This proposal has broad, bi-partisan support and is the most viable
option to help save mass transit from massive fare increases, service
cuts and layoffs. Short term bailouts of the system will only push
the
crisis off and will not address the long-term operating and capital
needs of the system.
Below
are links to recent news articles calling for legislative action
on the need for adequate mass transit funding. We will continue to
provide updates on transit legislation as they develop and hope you
can
stand ready to reach out to legislators and Governor Blagojevich to
voice your support for a transit investment.
For
more information on how you can help save mass transit please visit
http://capwiz.com/rc/utr/1/HCOBHLCHRR/DBJMHLDWWQ/1310002301/
Daily
Herald July 17, 2007 "Funding Formula is no windfall for
city" Featured letter by Frank Beal
Chicago
Tribune July 2, 2007 "Inching toward a transit deal"
Daily
Herald June 17, 2007 "Funding for RTA? Yes with Firm
Conditions"
Chicago
Tribune July 6, 2007 Voice of the People Featured letter by
Jerry Roper
Crain's June 25, 2007 "Lawmakers must bail out the RTA if state
is
to thrive" Featured letter by Alvin Boutte, Jr., Daily Southtown
June 17, 2007 "A Congestion Fee? Transit funding a
better option"
Chicago
Sun-Times July 9, 2007 "Chicago can't compete without good
trans" Featured letter by John Norquist
_______________
The
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) has released its proposed
FlY 2008 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) proposals
(transit, bike and pd, traffic flow, innovations). A summary is at http://www.chicagoareaplanning.org/cmaq/
or 312 386-8796.
Comment at CMAP Attn. CMAQ Comments, 233 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 800, Chicago,
IL 60606 at info@cmap.illinois.gov
or the number above or fax 312 454-0411.
U of C students gave a majority approval to joining UPass, in whole
or by divisions. This has the potential to unravel the CTA/UC and community
bus route system.
Ron
Huberman replaces Frank Kruesi at CTA--what might follow. See CTA
homepage.
The
Illinois State Auditor's report (q.v. at www.auditor.illinois.gov)
confirms that all the transit service agencies are in dire financial
need. Regardless of efficiencies and accountability and leadership/vision
he says they must accept, even doubling fares or drastic cutbacks won't
be enough--the revenue stream has to be permanently increased and be
able to keep up with need and inflation.
Comment to RTA at http://www.movingbeyondcongestion@rtachicago.org.
We
awaited with trepidation the 2007 CTA budget, but it apparently did
not include a fare increase or service cutbacks--yet it could as there
is still ad$115 m gap RTA has not agreed to fill. Already
they've spent more on fuel than budgeted ($48m) for all 2006. Fuel costs
were said to have triggered last January's 25 cent increase. For 2006,
a projected $90m deficit was reduced by $14 from RTA, $27m from para
transit assumption by PACE. The fare increase was supposed to generate
$17m leaving $31m in a budget a bit over $1 billion. (CTA estimates
its capital needs at about $11 billion presumably including the Circle
Line needed for the Olympics but probably not the also-needed Green
Line upgrades.)
Metra also has a shortfall- 71 m- but chose not to raise fares.
2007 IS NOT OVER- RTA IN APRIL TOLD CTA, METDRA AND PACE TO
RAISE FARES.
The class
action suit on lack of availability of the new transit cards in early
2006 has been settled without prejudice. Riders with claims must bring
documentation of extra money spent and efforts to buy the cards to Edelman,
Combs, Latturner & Goodwin LLC 120 S. LaSalle St. Suite #1800, Chicago,
IL 60603. For more info visit transitchicago.com.
Public
comment periods, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for planning.
Draft 2030 Regional Transportation Plan Update-(policy, not capital)
March 23-April 23
Draft FY08 Unified Work Program- March 23-April 23.
Draft Public Participation Plan- March 23-May 20.
Access
through http:/www. chicagoareaplanning.org.
Comment via mail, fax, or email. 233 S. Wacker Dr, Suite 800, Chicago,
IL 60606. 3123 454-0400, fax 312 454-0411.
Public meeting (open house) on the same Monday,
April 2, 3-7 pm. Prereq bec. of Sears Tower security, 312 454-0400.
Aldermen
have again been pressing CTA to return conductors to the trains in light
of emergency situations, despite the high cost.
HOWEVER, PACE, which took over para transit services for persons with
disabilities as part of transit fare crisis a couple years ago, IS RAISING
FARES FROM 1.57 TO 2.25 AND THE CAB OPTION FROM 1.75 TO 5 DOLLARS despite
protest at RTA meetings. (They are allowed to have fares twice
the base fare by federal law.) There have also been complaints about
uncoordinated communication in the para transit program.
Top
CTA has
purchased 200 more low-emision busses for $74.4 million to replace aging
buses. 276 of these New Flyer low buses are already in service and are
said to give 60 percent fewer emissions. And they have the back door
that you touch (not always successfully) to have open.
The
Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) is seeking local partners including
organizations to engage in assessing and planning for transit that is
more efficient and gets people out of their cars. Community workshops
are a part of the mix. Moving
Beyond Congestion.
The price tag is $10 billion for basics.
And
just as the RTA and service boards put out their call for the state
to fund infrastructure work and overhaul financing, Illinois Auditor
General William Holland's report called in February for a top-down audit
and overhaul of the RTA. The Performance audit agrees that funding is
insufficient leading to progressive breakdown, but not only points to
underfunded pensions, transit salaries and benefits among the highest
in the nation, rampant absenteeism, lack of strong centralized planning
and plain leadership, it cites weak leadership, competition instead
of cooperation between transit agencies, wasteful duplication and skewed
priorities. It said, stop fighting over customers and last federal dollar
and expansion and concentrate on putting a coordinated system in place.--"good
repair." Contracts, procurement and space utilization are other
problems. Rep Julie Hamos has promised hearings.
Complete
Street: The regional planning agency's Soles and Spokes division sent
out notice of the following City of Chicago notification of policy on
total accommodation on the public way:
The
City of Chicago released a landmark Complete Streets Policy Oct. 10,
mandating for the first time that all transportation users must be
accommodated in all transportation projects. According to a multi-agency
document issued by the city, the policy is expected to be implemented
in a variety of ways advocated by Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and
its Healthy Streets Campaign. The policy calls for pedestrian improvements
like bulb-out curb extensions for crosswalks, countdown crossing signals,
median refuges, and re-timing signals to minimize pedestrian delay
and conflicts. To read more, visit
www.biketraffic.org/content.php?id=1024_0_16_0_C.
An
arbitrator in August 2006 awarded a contract to CTA employees covering
2004-6-- just in time for new negotiations to begin. Raises in the range
of 3-3.5% each year. An end to rostering (split shifts), and some safety
provisions were included. Meanwhile, in 2006 first half ridership
is up about 1.5%, crime down marginally. CTA identifies its capital
needs at the $8 billion mark, nearly double that identified
for the long-past IllinoisFirst.
See Parking,
TIF Pkg. Comm. Pkg. District
Recommendations, and HPKCC
Transit Task Force pages on changes and new thinking in.
Parking. Task Force views on routes.
State budget deal
prevents cuts for now, has
some accounting. (Sen.
McKeon has introduced a bill for CTA accountability. ) When
will the legislature get around to looking at real solutions? CTA
Funding Issue page. (CTA says it has a need for $8 billion in assets
and infrastructure needs. These include Bus Tracker.
Metra
has completed renovation of all 8 South Chicago Branch line stations.
Left locally: 59th!, Woodlawn espec 63rd, 67th, and a hoped reopening
of 39th.
The
Regional Transportation Authority is seeking project proposals and review
of proposals for the Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) an New Freedom
Programs. Federal law provides surface transportation funding through
2009. For information on eligible programs visit www.rtachicago.com,
look under Quick Links. or contact Mr. William Reynolds, RTA, 175 W.
Jackson Blvd. Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 60604, 312 913-3243, reynoldsw@rtachicago.com.
Period ends Nov. 1 2006.
Chicago
Card and Chicago Card Plus are the way to go The only way to avoid last
January's hikes and have a transfer. www.transitchicago.com
or 888 968-7282. Availability has been uneven, esp. at the list
of currency exchanges. Best at Dominick's, Jewels, CTA hq at 547 W.
Lake. See the Chicago
Card page.
There
has been an increase in slowdowns on CTA rail line. Many attribute this
to diversion of money for crews to keep up the lines to new projects
such as the Pink Line-which many surveyed riders say is resulting in
slower rides and tying up the Loop El.
Dan
Ryan: closures and reductions became drastic with the March
31 closure of long sections including express lanes. Ald.
Hairston is circulating a petition to have the lights in our
area coordinated due to expected traffic spillover into our area. 773
324-5555. IDOT says it's too late. Impacts to date have been mixed.
And lots of spillover and accidents there are! hpkcc@aol.com
us, tell your aldermen and legislators.
Center
for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) and
others will soon release an index showing where affordability and transit/transportation
options do and do not coincide. http://www.cnt.org/repository/AffordabilityIndexBrief.pdf.
Shop
owners on 57th Street, led by Brad Jonas of Powell's Bookstore, 57th
and Harper, want to make 57th two-way from Stony Island to Lake Park.
At least some residents oppose. A city study has been asked by Ald.
Hairston. The decision to make 57th one-way
eastbound has been one of the most contentious leftovers from Urban
Renewal. Some say the Artists Colony on the stretch died (deliberately?)
when the street was made one way, with at least active consent of the
University.
Now the
University is backing the shopkeepers (being owner of several of the
shops) and has its own reasons to improve access into the heart of south
Hyde Park and University campus for students, staff, and visitors--indeed
opening a gateway--and maybe encouraging museum visitors to come in.
Bus routes also have to be circuitous because of the configuration,
which requires going south to 59th or north to 55th to use 57th from
the east. Residents, however, like the damping down of through traffic
and difficult access to "their" prime parking spaces. Some
years ago, when the Vision for Hyde Park Retail District recommended
considering opening the street, there was difference of opinion between
South East Chicago Commission and the University, the later favoring
opening. In addition, the Museum a few years ago seemed to be in favor
of keeping it closed (it this author remembers correctly) due to high
traffic exiting its new garage. Jackson Park Advisory Council, heavily
involved in decisions about the garage and associated close and larger
circulation issues, did not take a position as we 57th west of Stony
was expected to stay as was. However, this is not just a dispute between
neighbors and varying interests but has larger implications for circulation,
quality of life including security (an original reason)--and opposers
say the west end of the viaduct at Lake Park is blind; there are already
many accidents. The City study will be watched with interest. From
the Herald article of July 19, 2006. By Erin Meyer.
Hyde
Park residents and business owners want to open t 57th street viaduct
to two-way traffic. In recent months an ad hoc group facilitated by
the University of Chicago has been discussing the possibility of opening
the portion of the street that flows between the Museum of Science
and Industry and the neighborhood's 57th Street retail community.
The
business community in particular stands to benefit from making Hyde
Park more accessible to Lake Park Avenue and Lake Shore Drive commuters,
Said Bradley Jonas, owner of Powell's Bookstore, 1501 E. 57th St.
"I
am not expecting some kind of miracle in terms of more business in
my pocket," Jonas said. "The question we are trying to answer
is how we can allow people better access to Hyde Park." Group
members envision the 57th Street viaduct as a gateway to Hyde Park.
It is currently a passage by which drivers can only exit the community.
"We
have been amazed how few people we get from the Museum of Science
and Industry," Jonas said. "We are a block and a half from
one of the area's largest tourist attractions and see almost no spillover."
The
group, composed of local leaders, business owners and residents, tackles
"quality of life" issues in the area around 57th Street.
"Unless you now Hyde Park, you cannot get in, said Duel Richardson,
director of neighborhood relations for t he university. Richardson
facilitates the group's monthly meetings at Noodles etc., 1333 E 57th
St.
Whenever
major changes affecting traffic flow in the 5th Ward are suggested,
Ald. Leslie Hairston's office requests the Chicago Department of Transportation
to conduct an impact study. The city looks at school routes, traffic
patterns, pedestrian routes and parking on on and around 57th Street.
A representative
of Hairston's office was present at the group's June meeting. "This
is potentially a large project," said Sue Purrington. "People
have indicated that they were entertaining the notion of making a
change, but an impact statement always comes first."
A CDOT
study may take several months to complete. Depending on its findings,
Richardson said he would be in favor of "making the minimum amount
of infrastructure changes to conduct a trial either to alleviate the
residents' fears or confirm their fears."
Increased
traffic and compounded parking problems are the most common concerns
raised by those who oppose the change. Some residents foresee drivers
using 57th Street to travel from Lake Shore Drive to the Dan Ryan
Expressway and crowd neighborhood streets.
"Some
folks have been raising the issue of the 57th Street viaduct for many
years as n impediment in and out of the community," Richardson
said. Top
I-GO
Carshare page--(website http://www.igocars.org)
This service is a sure-bet alternative for some. Regents Park garage--the
th location in Hyde Park, cars now nearly cover the city, especially
the north side by lake and Red Line. There are two cars in the City
Lot, one at 55th and Greenwood lot. See in the I-GO page Rep.
Currie's report touting Carshare but saying Illinois has a tax that
makes such businesses unprofitable, but that they are working to ameliorate.
U of C now gives free to employees the membership part in I-GO and Zipcar
to employees, which both reside at the Lexington and Pierce lots.
The
city replaced meters with Pay and Display machines in the city lot at
53rd and Lake Park early April. Unfortunately, the machines were not
timely activated and no effective signage went up and there was no good
community notice--Friday Apr. 7th saw chaos. The
University is using the machines at some campus locations.The
53rd TIF Parking Committee is preparing recommendations on
studies, possible parking improvement district, more pay and
display, and a parking survey and education program in conjunction with
businesses, and a Parking Improvement District. See
Parking Woes and Hopes page.
A
new bus express service to 8 midwest cities has started. It's internet
based, so go to Megabus.com.
It's by Stagecoach Co. and will be discount and cheaper than any other
way to get to these cities. Served
from Downtown Chicago in spoke-style are Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus,
Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, St. Louis.
Work
is is planned for fall 2006 for Lake Park and Metra embankment 47th
to 55th and the 53rd and 55th viaducts. Metra
and the city are paying. See Metra
Embankments/Viaducts and Lake Park Corridor and sub pages. Metra
stations and cars: Problems with funds for new cars with toilets-
cancelled by Metra.
SECRET, Gray Line coalitions.
Get
ready for long delays or avoid the Brown Line for the next two years. |
