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. Link index of all active transportation pages is in Resources. Doomsday is it coming in January? but at heavy cost. 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. Report on the March 14 hearing, changes to 170, 171 in UC Routes. Below see Conference Reporter September 2006 article on UC/CTA routes, other transit issues. Chicago Card. It will definitely save you money. 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. Breaking news: Possible elimination of a popular campus bus stop, troubles with SafeRide- see in UC Routes page. Crisis over move of #171 stop at University 57th St- testimony at meeting of April 9 leads to decision to keep the stop as is. 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.-AMMENDED 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 te 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 Dominicks, 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.
The Regional Planning Board has now taken over the functions of Chicago Area Transportation Study and Northeast Illinois Planning Commission. All websites and pages now start with http://www.rpbchicago.org. The old websites still work, incl. http://www.catsmpo.com. It's now the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning or CMAP- and it has a big challenge according to the Metropolitan Planning Council. The state hasn't appropriated anything for 2 years to take advantage of federal funds to reverse gridlock and pollution and build new infrastructure. We understand CMAP is making bold plans. Neighborhood Capital Budget Group/Campaign for Better Transit continues to call for a state audit and City Council hearings on the CTA budget, including use of CTA for politically-connected patronage hires. The Civic Federation of Chicago also calls for full budget disclosure. Advocacy groups say CTA could do much more to 1) involve riders and communities in planning changes, 2) provide a more transparent budget (some call for an independent/state audit), 3) submit to City Council oversight. CTA says they are cooperating, state legislative hearings are underway--contact the NCBG site/get on their listserve for alerts. Mike Payne's Gray Line proposal/Task Force "SECRET" principles received "quick turnaround" endorsement in the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan, in goals terms that match what HPKCC's SECRET has been asking for. Payne is taking advantage of the Dan Ryan closure to push his solution. Visit in Gray Line. News and Needs. See also Regional, Regional Transportation Plan. From the Conference Reporter, September 2006: Big Changes for UC/CTA Routes, Bunching on the #6 Reappears, Poor Bike/ Pedestrian Interface Continues By Gary Ossewaarde Major changes to UC/CTA bus routes (intended to serve the general as well as university community), renewed complaints about bunching on the #6 Jackson Park Express, and collisions between pedestrians and bicyclists, dominate the transportation and mobility scene in our community this fall. The University of Chicago and CTA have renewed their service contract for another five years and added a second new route within a year. Last February, UC/CTA inaugurated public-accessible #192 service that goes mornings from Ogilvie and Union stations to the Hospitals Goldblatt entrance (860 E. 59th Street) and mid afternoon-early evening to the stations. Beginning August 27, riders have another route, with longer hours providing access to downtown and beyond. #174 shuttle between the U of Campus and the 55th/Garfield Green and Red Line CTA rail stations was approved in August by the CTA board for a 180-day trial. #174 will have weekday rush hour service every 20 minutes, eastbound 5:40-10:00 am and 3:40-6:40 pm and westbound 6:05-9:25 am and 3:05-7:04 pm. Except in summer, this route continue with late service Friday and Saturday from 7:20 pm to 2:20 am. The bus reaches campus via Washington Park and 57th Street, and takes Woodlawn Avenue and 55th Street back to the rail stations. #173 Lakeview Express will now run just on weekdays, northbound only, every 30 minutes from 3:30 to 6:30 pm fall, winter and spring. #170 Midway Shuttle that runs weekdays between 6:30 am and 6:30 pm will now have midday hours also, about every 20 minutes, although all runs are adjusted to ensure timely connections with Metra trains at 57th and 59th. Buses run counterclockwise until noon and clockwise afternoons, leaving 57th Stony from the west side of Stony in the morning and arriving on the east side of Stony in the afternoon. A big reconfiguration for #171 #171 will now run west on 55th from east Hyde Park, south on Ellis, then on 60th, Dorchester, 59th, and University (rather than Woodlawn) back to 55th.and to east Hyde Park. It will now have 10-minute rather than 15-minute spacing during rush hours. Last trips are now later: 8 pm from S. Hyde Park and 53rd and 8:15 from 60th and Ellis. Residents in the Jackson Park vicinity may have to seek alternatives. #172 will also run longer in the evening (7 am to 7:18 pm) and use E. Hyde Park Blvd. (51st) both east and west bound. Limited service to 47th and Kimbark may be tried. Discontinued is the #173’s late evening service from campus and interior Hyde Park to downtown, and mid-north. The replacement #174 late service on Friday and Saturday only is a shuttle that will require transfer(s). (A popular alternative for many are the #55 or #X55 to the rail lines or to the lakefront express busses. An alternative during rush hours is the #2 Hyde Park Express to downtown and River North that runs on Hyde Park Boulevard, Cottage Grove, and 60th.) Reminder: Your best cost-saving move may be to buy the Chicago Card. The University offers several transit and other alternatives and incentives to staff, students and visitors. The university Parking and Transportation Office can be reached at 773 702-8969. July and especially August saw a large increase in complaints about bunching and erratic service on the #6, #14, and sometimes #28 routes. Complaints involve long-term as well as recently hired drivers, according to the 5th Ward Office. CTA supervisors are now monitoring the routes and will soon report on causes of the problems and what changes they may have made to “fix the six.” Also, complaints have escalated about careless bike riders who have hit persons, especially at blind corners, in the Metra viaducts, and on the Lakefront Bike Path including from Promontory Point south, or who seem to whiz past on the sidewalks (where persons over 12 are not to ride) or otherwise act rudely. Groups such as the 53rd TIF committees will be exploring what changes such as signage or striping might help. But basically this is an education and behavior problem.
		A service of Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Transit Task Force/ Transportation and Parking Committee and the HPKCC website, www.hydepark.org. (email) Help support our work: Join the Conference! Join and work with the Task Force- contact chairman James Withrow.
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