|
|
Service
of Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, Access and Transit Task Force,
Chair James Withrow, and
its website hydepark.org.
"Resources" includes a link index to all our transit and access
pages, as well as links to many transit and related sites.
Transit
and Access Website Homepage, Latest News and Updates
HPKCC
program home. Committees.
About HPKCC.
Accessibility
Hot Topics. Quality
of Life Hot Topics.
Transit
and Access Committee page. ALERTS- SEE ALERTS
PAGE
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 building a 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.
So
Lakeft Cor Transit Study in pdf. Links,
contacts... SEE ABOUT THIS AND PROP. JEFFERY RAP.
BUS PILOT HRG. IN CTA PAGE.
Red
Line Ryan closing planned
WALK AND
ROLL 55TH ST. SIDEWALK SURVEY- read
in pdf.
Overnight or other snow bans on parking go into effect December 1-March.
Read the signs.
****May 8 the CTA
Board approved a 5-year renewal of the contract between U of C and CTA
to operate the 4 local routes- 170, 171, 172, and 192.
Open at last- Harper
Avenue north of 53rd St.
Red Line
reconstruction started- May 19! 5 months to completion.
Woes of the #28 and
#15. Besides those who shop at Treasure Island and ride
the bus, another group of riders is upset and seeking help from Ald.
Burns on being strasnded since 28 and X28 were merged and now cut east
to South Hyde Park at 51st coming from the north and 57th from the south.
This is seniors both east and west of the viaduct especially along 51st-E.
Hyde Park, but mainly in the Harper Square Cooperative along Lake Park.
Another complaint is that the changes cut off many who want go to increasingly
retail 53rd St., including the Theater. Over 500 signed a petition presented
to the alderman. Ald. Burns agrees that it was a mistake to reduce service
on Lake Park. CTA says it is looking into increasing service on the
15- but that would not help those who need to take the 28 which goes
on Stony Island south of 67th all the way past 100th.
November
15 the CTA board postponed budget passage during crunch negotiations
with the unions, outcome of which may determine whether there will be
fare increases and or service cuts. The previous day, they approved
upgrading many c7 year old New Flyer buses in addition to purchasing
many new under a state grant. They are also streamlining inventory control.
And they settled a 2007 wrongful death in which a bicyclist was run
over by a bus. The new Bombardier cars are now being rolled out on the
Red Line to mixed reviews, and approval was given to major upgrades
on the South Side Red Line stations. The Jeffery Jump J14 route is now
in service- rbt very light; bus signal priority will start on part of
the route next year.
Metra-
which in November passed a 2nd steep increase on the 10-day pass in
less than a year (said to underwrite ongoing capital and upkeep costs)-
is starting to put in service the new Electric line cars-- they even
have electrical outlets for passengers and good toilets.
The shocker in November
is transit fares. Metra's is not so bad, basically that you will now
pay for 10 fares worth on the 10-ride pass.
CTA, despite agreement with unions to save $60 million, has sharply
raised fares on the passes, 1 day all the way to monthly by up to 74%.
Also steep on all discounted fares for the elderly and seniors (a small
reduction for students). Most hurt will be poor and homeless people
who will now have to pay $10 rather than $5.75 for a one-day or else
have to pay for each leg of their journey under the standard one-ride
($2.25). Also hurt are working poor who depend on monthly or 7-day passes.
Also hit are tourists coming from O'Hare (fare more than doubled to
$5) and specialized trips such as the White Sox express.
Hearings- December 10, 6 pm, 567 W. Lake. Dec. 17, 6 pm Westinghouse
College Prep, 3223 W. Franklin Blvd.
CTA
and PACE are complaining about the skyrocketing costs of paratransit,
called unsustainable as seniors multiply inter alia. Some are being
trained to use regular transportation.
In December
2012 word was out that the University of Chicago intends to end its
partnership with CTA, eliminating routes 170, 171, 172, 192. Whether
it will find other vendor(s) remains to be scen, but these are likely
not to provide any service to residents or the business community.
5-month
Dan Ryan Red Line closure and reconstruction 2012. For scope
etc. visit http://www.transitchicago.com,
click on "Red" then and search around for the south/Dan Ryan
project. Info below. There is the next public hearing
at Kennedy-King, 6343 S. Halsted, Thursday, July 21.
CTA
and Pace wil have the country's first "open fare" system summer
2013. There will be several options for payment,
interconnection, and faster boarding.
South
Lakefront Corridor Transit Study final report meeting. Happened.
project evaluation results and the draft recommendations of the
South Lakefront Corridor Transit Study. The study has focused on improving
public transportation and enhancing Transit-Oriented Development in
order to enhance mobility for residents and increase access to jobs
within the South Lakefront Corridor. It is the third in a series of
meetings. We
want to hear from you. Mtg.
Presentation (long doc in pdf). SHORT
version.
For more information please visit our website http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdot/supp_info/south_lakefront_corridortransitstudy.html
and follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/South-Lakefront-Corridor-Transit-Study/199444600080441.
WHAT happened? Final selection was not announced. There were plenteous
poster boards that had additional info on selected example projects
prioritized by one of the advisory groups. The PowerPoint slide shows
will be posted online (not up yet July 3).
Of
particular interest to HPK was the additional detail / research / estimates
regarding:
-possible BRT on 55th Garfield to Midway Airport (seems to be mixed
use east of Cottage to Metra) connecting with a BRT on Cottage Grove.
They are seeking a 25-35% time reduction on 55th.
-Metra Grayline/Gold Line (to keep the cost estimate down they shifted
the mid-day/off peak frequency from 10 min to 15-20 minute headings)
Final report is due late summer 2012.
Watch for
the next Walk and Roll sidewalk survey. Final
report on the 55th St. inspection.
Train and
bus service, bus routes overhaul planned for Dec. 16 2012-APPROVED BY
CTA BOARD IN SEPTEMBER DESPITE STRONG PUBLIC OBJECTION. Purpose
of the overhaul is in a revenue-neutral way to accomodate overcrowding
of cars and some buses dud to increased ridership. They say the elimination
of bus routes was partly from a complete needs survey by Northwestern
U's' Transportation institute and meant to impact only what has other
options (although the times and frequencies and local stops may not
match, it would seem).
Details of changes remain sketchy. The main effect in and near HPK is
1) elimination of the UC routes unless UC gives more subsidy, 2) elimination
of MSI #10 and #X28. and #1 will no longer come to Drexel Square/51st
but stop at 35th)3) #28 will go downtown during rush hours replacing
X28-- no word on whether it will continue to go to Union Station and/or
stay on Lake Park 57th to 51st or move to S. Hyde Park Blvd. Increased
service (whatever that means) is proposed for routes # 2, 3, 4, 6, 14,
26, 59.
HPKCC had several
public meetings and private meetings with CTA when the routes were reorganized
2000-2004. A dilemma was what should run on Lake Park vs. S. Hyde Park
Blvd. and serve who's needs; HPKCC thought we worked out a pretty good
compromise-- now we may be back to the Lake Park/S. Hyde Park problem
again.
The UC and #10
are the great actual losses if they come about-- the Tribune article
and materials at the yourcta website hint that since these are contracted
services (#10 indeed is MSI) there could end up being resolutions- but
that CTA is asking the subidizer to pay "all" the cost. Not
mentioned is that there at least was another such contracted CTA service
to a business or hospital? that inspired UC to switch to contracting
with CTA). The loss of the UC routes esp. can be argued as a loss for
long-term community goals, esp. with Harper Court coming online and
transportation between 53rd St. and campus-- having to run trolleys
would be very expensive even if the "white" buses could be
used. Another loss is for the hospital staff (and others who live on
the north side) with the medical center and UC students and personnel
growing.
As to the whole
overhaul, apart from economics, the trade off could be called creating
"right" service level systemwide, or could be called trading
provision to some routes of safety and convenience at the expense of
options in other areas--coverage, dropping some less economic or used
service-- inevitably impacting areas and classes of persons that may
need it most with no guarantee that the "parallel" services
are really comparable-- els have fewer stops, different alignments,
some don't run all night, getting to the stops may be inconvenient or
unsafe. And it favors downtown ast teh expense of non-downtown or opposite-side-of-town
riders, although you could say that is responding to demand/market.
Some of the routes to be dropped may have less riders because the service
is infrequent, unreliable, or poorly routed-- a vicious cycle related
to past cuts and ongoing rationalizations.
THE KEY TO WHETHER THIS WORKS AND WHO IT WILL HELP OR HURT IS WHAT IS
MEANT BY MORE BUSES OR INCREASED SERVICES ON BOTH THE OVERCROWDED ROUTES
AND THE ROUTES THAT WILL TAKE UP THE SLACK for those cut.
This for us expecially applies to service on the 2, 4, 6, and 28-- they
say service on the first two will be increased (but there are parts
of those routes that may now run nearly empty for parts of their run).
What I read did not say service on the 28 (often unreliable) will be
increased, let alone that or how many X28s will run as 28s. It they
don't run on Hyde Park, they will not even out the 6s even if there
are "more" 6s in rush hour-- and how many of those as the
south end of the route often has low ridership. Again, it all depends
on how many runs, when. Another reason the X28 was initiated was so
both Lake Park and Hyde Park Blvd the latter with dense population would
be served. Now those at the east end who need 28 like students and staff
to Union Station will have to walk another two blocks to catch a 28
going downtown or take a 6 and transfer downtown. On the other hand,
28 downtown will now be closer for residents in the center of the neighborhood
and will serve 53rd/51st esp. Harper Court better.
Also discouraging- no improvement for #55 which would improve the options
through direct service to the Green and Red lines.
CTA
announced in June 2012 that its decision is to close the Red Line from
Cermak to 95th for rebuilding for 5 months in May 2013 rather than on
weekends over four years. It is only starting the process of planning
to handle the customers during that period. The
all-at-once plan has met with mixed but it seems predominantly favorable
response. Ideas for moving passengers, especially with a barrage of
shuttle buses, particularly between the Green and Red lines has met
with skepticism, including from Jon Hilkevitch of the Tribune. No one
doubts the work is needed and has long been delayed. Side and parallel
bus routes would have increased service, but CTA hasn't yet taken into
account (or asked of Metra) how Metra could help-- Electric and Rock
Island, and appears not to asked CDOT to look at what improvements or
accommodations might be necessary on arterial roads (remember the Dan
Ryan project?). The U of C says it is not likely to need to make changes
or add direct shuttles downtown. IIT is in more of a bind. Supporters
of Gold and Gray Line Metra alternatives think this is an opportunity
strengthen what the call an underutilized resource part of whose customer
base was taken away by the Red Line when the south branch was opened
in 1969. CTA laid out what it says is a good program and set of contractors
to guarantee local and minority involvement.
At
the June 18 meeting, a large number of speakers asked why communities
were not consulted before the plan was chosen and presented lots of
concerns and suggestions-- that CTA has to ask on a much smaller scale
to know the pitfalls in how to move those affected and maintain public
safety.
Submitting comments: Chicago
Transit Authority, Red Line South Project, 567 W. Lake St., Chicago,
IL 60661,
redlinesouth@transitchicago.com,
www.transitchicago.com/redline,
1-888-968-7282 (Your CTA).
Alternate
rail service- Green Line tracks Roosevelt to Ashland/63rd- all stops
then reverse
Green Line service Harlem to Loop and Cottage Grove/63rd- alternate
trains terminate downtown and return to Harlem, those on the continuing
but going to Ashland/63 transfer at Garfield.
Free Shuttles- south of 63rd to connect with the Green Line plus local
trips 95th to 63rd. FOUR EXPRESS ROUTES AND ONE LOCAL.
The express will operate via the Dan Ryan to Green Line at Garfield--
they ar at 95th, 87th, 70th, and 69th. The local operates between
63rd and 95th with stops at 69th, 79th, 87th. Note- shuttle riders
can board Green Line free at Garfield.
Other
supplemental bus and shuttle:
Roosevelt to Cermak/Chinatown, #51 extension to Green Line, #71 extension
and #30 extension to Green Line,
Supplemental east-west service connecting to the Green Line.
NO plan to run shuttles or supplemental on streets or Ryan from Garfield
to downtown BUT there will be expanded service on #3 King, #4 Cottage,
#8A South Halsted, #9 Ashland, #29 State, #44 Wallace/Racine. (Not
8, 15, or 55)
Service will be added on #24 and #26 but not 6.
50-cent discount on most South Side routes.
Jobs-
CTA
is hiring bus drivers and trades for the Red Line project. You
must get a Class B Commercial Driver's License or Permit-
classes are at Chicago Urban League 4510 S. Michigan 773
285-5800 or 845 W. 69th St. 773 602-300 www.thechicagourbanleague.org
or Olive-Harvey college, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave, 773 291-6100, http://www.ccc.edu/colleges/olive-harvey/Pages/default.aspx.
July 18, Wednesday, 9 am-? meeting on this jobs and Mins/Women
at Monumental Baptist, 939 E. Oakwood.
They also insist
they are working on public safety for those who have to go out of
their way
A group
is seeking a stop sign at 55th and Kenwood, a poor visibility intersection.
Ald. Hairston introduced an ordinance for such June 27 2012. However,
CDOT and Ald. Burns oppose, at least until there is time to assess the
re-laning (including for bikes) on 55th. Noted is the potential for
accidents and rear ending west-bound around the University Apartments
and back-ups. Noted also is that stop signs increasingly give a false
sense of security. Signs advising to stop for pedestrians crossing (a
relatively new law) will be installed. No action on a stop sign is likely
before fall 2012. Nothing is known of a possible compromise such as
stop on the eastbound side. Work on the 55th St. reconfiguration was
about half done by mid July 2012.
Where
to go to find out reroutes, closures etc. NotifyChicago.
http://www.cityofchicago.org/oemc.
https://webapps.cityofchicago.org/NotifyChicago/
Twitter@NotifyChicago.
To sign up http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/oem/providrs/edu/svcs/sign_up_for_notifychicago.html.
Create
account at http://www.alertchicago.org.
http://www.transitchicago.com
or Twitter@CTA.
http://www.Metrarail.com.
CTA-
Changes can come at any time despite announcements. CTA WILL MOVE BUS
LINES. Rail is expected to operate as normal, but if carryon limits
and inspections are instituted.
There will be no
#15/#28 southbound bus stop on Lake Park at 53rd St. from May 30 to
July 27 due to work on the former Borders building.
_________________
HPKCC convenes
a quarterly meeting of community organizations. See what the Transit
breakout group thinks is ahead or should be watched. Watch for a
transit-interested meeting.
A few
of the real time bus tracker displays are in HP- such as on the shelter
ne corner Lake Park and E. HPBlvd., 47th Cottage.
AMAZING NEW WEBSITE
OF ALERTS, TIPS, INSTRUCTIONS FOR WINTER AND SNOW SET UP BY CITY:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/city/en/depts/mayor/snowportal/chicagoshovels.html.
September
1. End has happened for "all" seniors ride free. It looks
like the end is August 31 for those earning over $27,000 ($36,000 couple).
You should have received either the new free card or a thin-plastic
(very fragile) card with photo that you must put into the slot, either
with the half fare or if it is loaded the fare will be deducted.
Some
places to personally load the cards are at the Green or Red line 55th/Garfield
stations, Via 55 bus or at Museum of Science and Industry by the elevator
on the lower level. DON'T PUT MUCH MONEY ON THIS FRAGILE CARD- CRINKLES
EASILY. And you have to put full fare on it-- the discounting is done
by the insert machine on the bus or train.
But, you
do not have to go to a CTA vending machine or selected CTA train and
bus stops in order to add money to your Senior Reduced-Fare permit.
You can purchase reduced-fare cards online. They will initially mail
fare cards for $15.30. You can also purchase a 30-day reduced-fare
card online ($35 for one month). See and download the relevant pdf
file at the CTA web site. It has instructions on cash, adding money
to your permit, or buying the fare cards online.
You may insert the fare card when you get on the bus, and simultaneously
you show your Reduced Fare photo permit to the bus driver.
This is the link for information about all of this including the pdf
file:
http://www.transitchicago.com/seniors/
and this is the PDF file on their link which you can download:
11kd33_seniors_pamphlet_english_FINAL_8182011.pdf
Also, you can buy a pack of Reduced Fare cards at Walgreen's.
For $15 you get a pack of two cards each worth $8.50. The I.D. card
seems far too flimsy to go through a bunch of reloadings and Walgreens
is so convenient. (Carry the ID in case you are asked for some ID.)
Also available at Museum of Science and Industry
lower level by the west elevator, currency exchange at 1371
E. 53rd, and train stations on 55th St. or downtown or any.
Sign up for Chicago
Card Plus I-Go Card and get a big discount. to Feb 29.
Sharp fare
increases UP TO 25% expected on Metra for Feb. 2012- see in Metra
page, including letters about. PACE says no increase.
And CTA at least not until well into 2012, says Forrest Claypool. And
state still owes the agencies over $300M despite release of over $100M.
Will
state's pattern of late payments to RTA lead to service cutbacks at
PACE, CTA, and Metra? Already making cutbacks, layoffs. CTA also laying
off.
Cost
of Metra-CTA link up pass (paid to Metra) going up, higher proportion
goes to CTA.
February 1, the
cost of Link-Up connecting to CTA and PACE from Metra and sold by
Metra goes up $6, from $39 to $45. The percentage to CTA increases
from 70% to 85%. PACE will continue to get 15%. Link-Up serves 2.8
million CTA rides a year (88,310 passes in 2010) or less than 1% and
220,000 annual PACE rides. Still, it's important especially to many
South Siders who work in suburbs and will tide over until 2015 rollout
of universal cards (which fits into the Gold Line demands for improved
Metra utilization). The increase in price and CTA share should raise
$500,000 for CTA.
5800
Stony southbound bus stop eliminated during construction (to mid 2013)
Gov. Quinn
signed into law mandate for universal fare card by the end of 2013.
U
of C/CTA routes, schedules/routes/changes and about. See UC
Routes page. UC
interface is bus.uchicago.edu.Note
that the CTA UC contract runs out summer 2011.
Gold
Line update State
passes 5-year capital program.
Call for innovative ideas, April 2010
All
routes and their maps: http://www.yourcta.com/maps/bus/bus.html.
Here is the link
for winter cta routes and schedules now in effect:
http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/service_changes/201012_timetables.aspx#1.
CHANGES TO THE SENIOR FARES.
Bits:
Construction
starts incl. removal of c 50 parking spaces late week of June 18 or
week of June 25- 55th
St. Bike Lanes.
HPKCC
convenes a quarterly meeting of neighborhood civic organizations.
Here is what they think is ahead or needs watching: March 2012:
Expected is
a public meeting soon on recommendations of the RTA South Lakefront
Corridor Transit Study. Transparency seems, according to this group's
members to have vanished. Watch for bus-rapid-transit recs. for
55th and for Cottage Grove, but the RTA seems to be backing off
Metra/Gold Line recommendations, saying they would cost a billion
and result in only a 10% increase in ridership. The group SOUL will
be meeting with Ald. Burns on these matters.
More information
is needed on the mandated universal transfer between transit services.
The transit
group wants to work with other breakout groups, Conference committees
and organizations on a bike safety education program.
This affects also disabilities, safety, and schools.....
Identify intersections
needing traffic studies, especially of pedestrian crossing
(incl. with Active Transportation Alliance)- another cross-disciplinary
initiative. 53rd and Kenwood was pointed out.
Convene an
interorganizational, interdisciplinary (incl. safety, disabilities,
schools, business) meeting and task force for congestion and multi-modal
interaction planning-- bikes, cars, trolleys, parking, ped, transit--
for an integrated neighborhood transportation system. Action-
meeting planning to start
Chicago Kidical
Mass banded family bike rides and training. The next is in Washington
Park Aug. 26, Sunay, 10:30 am. Can registre ahead at http://www.chicagokidicalmas.org.
http://www.motorcycleaccident.org
South
Lakefront Transportation Corridor Study (Gold Line being one consideration).
April
13 2011 there was an input opportunity and presentation at IIT 4:30
and 6:30- Almost all conceivable concerns were being taken into consideration
or were raised. Input is still being taken and will proceed to recommendations
by the end of the year-- probably quick fixes and a set of recommendations
with costs. Comment at southlakefront@cityofchicago.org-
Brenda McGruder at CDOT, 312 744-6139.
Here
is the link to the post meeting city report
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdot/supp_info/south_lakefront_corridortransitstudy.html.
See report
by Gary Ossewaarde of HPKCC.
See
report on 2nd meeting in CTA
page.
Study's report on Sept. public meeting- http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/cdot/SouthLakefront_091211_pubmtgnotes.pdf
South
Lakefront Corridor Transportation Study opportunity for public
input and information. Information in a March 30 Red Eye-
http://www.redeyechicago.com/news/cta/redeye-cdot-seeks-input-on-south-side-transit-improvements-20100329.0.5389613_story.
More links:
http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/12456386/348792632/name/PT_South+Lakefront_FEB4+PAC_FINAL.pdf
www.Grayline.20m.com.
http://bit.ly/GrayLineInfo.
Hyde Park
Herald report April 20, 2011. South Side transit fixes examined.
By Sam Cholke
The public transit
agencies want to solve the transportation problems in neighborhoods
between 22nd Street and 95th Street east of the Dan Ryan expressway,
but first they're tying to figure out how residents ride teh buses,
el and trains and what solutions people would use.
The Chicago departments
of Transportation and Housing and Economic Development have hired
five consulting firms to compile studies from Metra, the Chicago Transit
Authority an other agencies to get a holistic view of the Southeast
Side. The first results were presented April 13 a the Illinois Institute
of Technology and showed that, though transit options largely
serve the area well, it is not clustered around people or jobs.
In the 12 neighborhoods
being studied, most people live in South Shore --
one in five Southeast Side residents -- and more than half
of the jobs are in Hyde Park, with a significantly smaller
job hub in Douglas [IIT].
Many residents
still have to travel out of the area for work and because
fewer households own a car than the city average,
more trips are by public transit, usually a bus downtown.
The No. 6 Jackson Park Express bus, with 11,200 riders yearly,
serves nearly as many passengers as the Green Line. The Jeffery..
Express [#14] from South Shore serves more than both. For these riders,
the system works relatively well -- there are a lot
of good options to get downtown. But as the Illinois Medical
District and Midway Airport continue to hire from the area, the local
transit options continue to be bad at connecting to the Southwest
and West Sides.
The transit
system was found to be worst on South Cottage Grove Avenue between
35th Street and Garfield Boulevard, especially
at Pershing Road, a commercial strip where officials have aggressively
pursued developing retail. [The study also cited congestion on Cottage
at 58th St.] To shop, most residents don't use the public transit
system, unless an errand requires going downtown, the study found.
During the open
call for solutions, the audience repeatedly suggested the
Gold Line project, an idea for Metra's South Chicago Electric
Line first broached by Michael Payne in the 1990s. "It would
be functionally the same as an el line. The only difference would
be riding one of the new high-liner cars with a Metra decal on the
side." Payne said, standing before the audience of about 100.
Payne's idea for a CTA fare system and 10-minute
wait times for the line gained attention during the run-up to Chicago's
Olympic bid and continues to be advocated by many in the area. "It
could probably take 20 minutes off my commute time," said Lamar
Scruggs, who lives in Hyde Park and commutes downtown to DePaul University
for school. After
the meeting, representatives from transit agencies said that even
if the current study recommends the Gold Line, each agency would need
to do its own lengthy study of the project, and there are more immediate
concerns.
To
keep the current transit options running in the area running without
any expansion, CTA will need $1.3 billion over the next 10 years.
Metra will need $1.8 billion to keep the two southern branches of
he Electric District running for the next 10 years. "I
would like to see the study concentrate on what can be done without
focusing on physical facilities, things like policies,"
suggested Richard Gill, a member of the South East Chicago Commission.
The transit agencies are quietly hoping for the same thing as Gill.
Agency reps said they were hoping the study would suggest
smaller solutions they could implement immediately, like improving
the underutilized bus lines connecting Hyde Park and the el lines
in Washington Park. ...
Public-Private
Partnerships and regulation bill passes, awaits signature.
by Peter
Skosey, MPC. Chat & Mobile Text[Hide]I am Available1 Online Contact[Add]Gary
Ossewaarde - Not Listed? New Chat1 Mobile Contact[Add]Randy Ossewaarde
ammeraalusa.comNot Listed? New TextSettings
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ReplyReply AllMove... Flag this messagePublic-Private Partnerships
Legislation passes in Springfield!Friday, June 3, 2011 10:19 AMFrom:
"pskosey@metroplanning.org" <pskosey@metroplanning.org>Add
sender to Contacts To: garyossewaarde@yahoo.com
Thanks
to all of you, the Illinois General Assembly has passed the Public-Private
Partnerships (PPP) for Transportation Act (HB 1091), an it's now
on its way to Gov. Quinn for signature. Many thanks to the bill's
chief's sponsors, Representative Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines)
and Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), for their commitment and
leadership.
But
wait, we still need your help! Please call Governor Quinn's office
at (217) 782-6830 and urge him to sign this landmark legislation.
What
is the PPP Act?
The
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for Transportation Act (House
Bill 1091) promotes the sound development and operation of transportation
facilities in Illinois, by authorizing public-private partnerships
for construction of new transportation infrastructure projects and
limiting the lease of existing infrastructure assets. Authorizing
public-private partnerships will allow Illinois to seek new sources
of investment capital and more efficiently deliver infrastructure
improvements, to improve our transportation system to better serve
the needs of Illinois residents and businesses.
"Tolling,
pricing, and public-private partnerships present effective strategies
on their own. But when they're linked, they offer enormous opportunities
to address the transportation challenges facing our country."
~Victor Mendez, FHWA Administrator, U.S. DOT
What
does the PPP Act do?
·
The Illinois General Assembly must approve all potential PPP projects
prior to issuing RFQs or FRPs.
· All projects considered for public-private partnerships
must be consistent with the corresponding region’s plan, provided
the region has a Metropolitan Planning Organization.
· The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability
will conduct an independent review of all project proposals prior
to final approval of a public-private partnership to ensure it serves
the public’s interest.
·
The Illinois Tollway cannot lease existing assets.
· In cases where the project pertains to an existing transportation
facility, the contractor will adhere to all existing employee contracts
and obligations.
· Property belonging to the State of Illinois is not subject
to taxation.
Governor
Quinn has signed the law change so seniors will pay half fare rather
than free unless they are under the circuit breaker (c. 27,000 a year
single, 36 couple, 45 3 or more). Here are details from the RTA Feb.
25, 2011.
Those with circuit
breakers (ind. under $27,610, couple under 26,635, 3+ under $45,657)
and have cards will seamlessly continue to ride free with their cards.
There will be various notice procedures for those who may have to
show qualification.
Those who do
not qualify under circuit breaker but have senior transit cards will
continue to use their current cards until 180 days or notification
and will be notified. There will be an RTA administered procedure
for them to get new cards and pay the following fares:
.85 or $1 on
CTA, .85 on Pace, and 1/2 of as-published on Metra (but $1.00 for
within Zone A).
Airport
service as of October 2010
Two local companies,
GO Airport Express and Omega Airport Shuttle, have announced a joint
venture starting October 25, that calls for Omega’s south side
O’Hare and Midway services to operate under the GO Airport Express
banner.
In addition to
greater frequency and more convenient scheduling, Hyde Park and near
South Side residents will be able to book on-line for door-to-door
pick ups and returns from home or office as well one of Omega’s
regularly scheduled Hyde Park stops.
Omega’s
Jeff Smith will retain ownership of the company along with Illinois
Commerce Commission authority for the routes. Omega will continue
to operate its scheduled shuttle service between O¹Hare and Midway.
Our customers
will enjoy a better, faster service, explains Smith, who has owned
Omega for 13 years. “They’ll also have the ability to
book return trips at the walk-up counters at O’Hare and Midway.”
Other new benefits
include membership in the GO Airport Shuttle Preferred Rider Program,
which offers free rides as well as AAdvantage® miles.
Among the service
areas are the South Loop, Chinatown, Hyde Park, University of Chicago,
IIT and other near south locations. Regular stops are made at Q Club,
1155 E. 57th Street; Rockefeller Chapel, 59th & Woodlawn; International
House, 1414 E. 59th Street; Windermere Hotel, 1642 E. 56th St.; Shoreland
Hotel, 5454 South Shore; DelPrado Hotel, 5300 S. Hyde Park Blvd.;
Market in the Park bus shelter, 5050 S. Lake Shore Drive, and Ramada
Inn, 4900 Lake Shore Drive.
GO Airport Express
is part The GO Group, the nation’s largest airport transportation
provider, serving some 60 airports in North America, Mexico, the Caribbean
and Europe and transporting more than 13 million passengers per year.
Reservations
for the new South Side service can be made by calling 888-2THEVAN
or at goairportexpress.com.
Transportation
enhancements for the area were announced by Rep. Currie November 15,
2010.
"Our District
did well in the competition for federal Transit Enhancement Projects.
The legislature has appropriated the federal funds, and the winners
were announced last week. The Illinois Department of Transportation
will develop a separate bicycle track along Stony Island Avenue between
69th and 77th Streets. Parking lanes will be reconfigured, so that
opening the car door won't risk harm to a cyclist, and a bike lane
will be installed along the curb lane. Next, a bicycle trail from
Stony Island to the existing lakefront trail will be built near 59th
Street. These two projects, with several other improvements, will
provide a protected connection between Hyde Park and other southeast
side neighborhoods to the lakefront trail---thus all the way to McCormick
Place, downtown Chicago and beyond. Our third winner is the continuation
of the streetscape on Lake Park Avenue, between 47th and 56th Streets.
Safer bus stops and attractive embankments are on the drawing board
as are new lighting, new sidewalks and improved landscaping for the
47th and 56th Street viaducts.
"Courtesy
of I-GO, our nonprofit car-sharing program, I had a chance to drive
the all-electric Mitsubishi i-Miev last month. I-GO plans to add 30
all-electrics to its current fleet of 250 fuel-efficient cars. I-GO,
an affiliate of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, is focused
on reducing the number of cars on city streets and cutting down pollution.
The car was a treat to drive, but it's unbelievably quiet. I worry
that, without adding a bell or a whistle, an unsuspecting pedestrian
could be in trouble. The biggest problem with the electric car is
the need for car-charging stations. Home chargers are impracticable.
Some gasoline stations are looking into the opportunity to install
them, and the City of Chicago has asked companies to bid to provide
them. The bid includes 36 car-chargers for I-GO."
August
2010. Opportunity is gone to comment on CMAP's Regional transportation
and development/resources plan.
Go To 2040 is up for adoption final adoption and submission the feds
in October 2010. There are five goal/subjects.
The plan is avowedly conservative in the sense of mentioning only fundable
and high-consensus projects (except those for Lake Co. may have fights),
and favoring upgrades and upkeep over large new starts. It shifts the
balance somewhat toward managed and congestion-priced corridors and
toward transit. Congestion and pollution mitigation are big. There is
some for alternative transportation. It calls for scrapping the 55-45
downstate-NE formula. The plan also has much stressing sustainable and
transit-friendly development and resource and land management.
It appears not to have anything for the southeast quadrant of the city
except Red Line extension from 95th to 130th.
See the plan at http://cmap.illinois.gov.
GO TO
2040 will guide growth in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry,
and Will Counties for the rest of this century. In addition to land
use and transportation, GO TO 2040 also addresses the full range of
quality-of-life issues, including the natural environment, economic
development, housing, and human services such as education, health
care, and other social services.
Between
June 11 and August 6, 2010, partners, residents, and stakeholders
have an opportunity to provide input on the draft GO TO 2040 comprehensive
regional plan for northeastern Illinois.
To share
GO TO 2040 in more detail with the region's residents, CMAP will host
a series of public meetings and we hope you can join us to learn more
about and provide feedback for the regional plan at the following
informational event near you:
Chicago/Cook County
August 3, 2010 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
CMAP Office Cook County Room 233 S. Wacker Drive,
Suite 800 Chicago,
IL 60606
Each
open house features a short plan overview presentation by CMAP staff,
followed by a question-and-answer period. This is the final public
meeting but if you are unable to join us for this informational meeting,
you may also review the plan and submit comments through August 6,
2010 on the GO TO 2040 website, www.goto2040.org.
We will
also hold smaller briefings for partner organizations. Please contact
me at ealeman@cmap.illinois.gov
or 312-386-8816 for information. After incorporating this final public
input, we will present the GO TO 2040 plan for approval by the CMAP
Board and MPO Policy Committee in October. And then the work of implementing
its recommendations will begin, and the region will be counting on
your continued support and involvement.
Be sure
to have your say before the comment period closes. We look forward
to your involvement. Remember we cannot plan for the future without
you!
Best
Regards, Erin Aleman
Senior Planner
July
12 the 53rd TIF supported with $87,000 engineering and design study
to open Harper Ave. to through traffic, and wider inpact of the same.
Said to be desired in addition to necessity for Harper Court redevelopment.
Shoesmith
School held a test during the remainder of the school year 2010 of limiting
traffic on 5oth St. to school drop off and pick up only for each 15
minute peak periods (morning 8:45-9 am). It worked.
Zipcars
has expanded to 14 cars on campus. Between Zipcars and I-Go, there is
plenty of opportunity from several locations in Hyde Park to have occasional
use of a car. See in ShareCar
page.
Some have
cited evidence that the South Side is being disproportionally hit by
the CTA cuts. Overall, effects have been uneven. There is little likelihood
so far that the unions will make concessions despite lay off of over
1,000. Is a worse crisis coming with non-payment by the state? And the
House voted Thursday to eliminate free bus rides except to truly needy
seniors, but it is unclear that the Senate or Governor will go along.
March
2010 Congress passed the HIRE bill that funds the Surface Transportation
Fund through 2010 and makes it solvent through 2011. So the remaining
58% of allocations can now go forward. The general transportation reauthorization
bill has not yet passed.
Depending
on which way you look at it, seniors lucked out or again fail to pull
their weight as a state Senate committee fails in April 2010 to pass
return of seniors to half fare except those who qualify for circuit
breaker tax relief. Actual seniors appear divided on the issue.
Starting
Sept. 9 09, you can now buy Metra tickets on line with credit cards.
CTA
passes are available at many local stores
Will
there be an effect from 1) the early 2010 resolution introduced in the
State Senate for Metra trains stopping at all stations and creating
some competition and service increase by allowing the South Shore to
pick up any passengers at their Illinois stops or from 2) a lawsuit
in early 2010 alleging funding and service bias against minority communities
throughout the region, including by an alleged unfair share going to
Metra?
Doomsday
is partly averted again in 2010-cuts in frequency may be the big problem.
Meanwhile there is on going conflict with PACE over disabilities service.
Also, Metra
Electric fares are going up.
http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/finance_budget/2010budgetbook.pdf
Some
highlights of CTA doomsday from print media: Rides cost $7
and tax take is down %30 percent. Lost to seniors and others free:
$39m.
Fare
hikes: Averted: Fare hikes, fares being frozen for two years under
a bond issue agreement brokered by Gov. Quinn, RTA, and CTA.
Service
cuts: Some are finalized some not.
110
of 150 routes and trains- less frequent service -waiting times
could increase dramatically. Presumably
the strongest impact will be in mid day and later evening.
Certain: Cut in hours on 41 bus routes (morning and
evening, 25 mins. to 3 hours + but here mainly #6, #15, #28 will start
at 4 am (vs 3:30 for 28) and end at 12:30 vs present 1:30/1:45 ).
Certain: Elimination of express service on 9 routes, here
X3, X4, X55.
UC students have
created website
"heat maps" of changes in travel time by neighborhoods and
blocks. Effects seem to be light at rush hour but not so good at night
even with no cuts to "owl" night routes.
HPKCC
supports RTA South Lakefront Corridor Study.
(This
will be undertaken RFP went out summer 2010; whether there will be progress
on Gold Line or other options is a guess. Meanwhile resolutions and
lawsuits seek more access to service along lines in minority communities
or to rebalance the taxing powers and subsidies. )
Sent
October 20, 2009 to RTA Funding Programs Public Comment
The
Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference wishes to communicate its support
for RTA's proposed study of the South Lakefront Corridor:
Whereas
public transportation is vital to the residents, businesses and
non-profit institutions located in Southeast Chicago, and
Whereas it is important to take advantage of all the existing transit
resources in Southeast Chicago, and
Whereas Southeast Chicago enjoys an unusual, for Chicago, combination
of Metra and CTA transit operations, AND
Whereas the Regional Transit Authority is best-placed to encourage
collaboration among the transit agencies to improve the speed and
reliability of public transportation in our region,
the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference hereby resolves that
the RTA should be encouraged to commit to the South Lakefront Corridor
Transit Study.
Jay
N. Ammerman, President
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 progresses.
But Ald. Hairston made a deal to use ald. menu money to keep 100 spots
free at 63rd St. beach. Lots of people are upset with this and the parking
machines and charge increases in general.
U of C has returned route 171 to its original
route in East Hyde Park thus again limiting its interface for people
wanting to go to 53rd St. business district but increasing daytime frequency
even though all the public routes now end at 6 pm. The new route #200
southwest into Woodlawn is private, not CTA. 173 to north side and 174
to rapid transit are gone, replaced by a student shuttle to Roosevelt
Rd.
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.
Stimulus funds will help CTA with new buses,
the Blue Line, maybe more. Some is surely for Metra.
Call
for projects that enhance... April
2010
Dear Partner For
Transit, from Moving Beyond Congestion. April 7, 2010.
We are soliciting prospective projects for our Funding Programs Call
for Projects which will begin today, April 7, 2010. These programs provide
financial support for planning, operating, and capital transit projects.
The Call for Projects will allow potential applicants an opportunity
to pitch project ideas that are innovative and will increase transit
usage, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the region's current
transit system, provide for better mobility for seniors and people with
disabilities, or improve job access.
Prospective projects should be located within the six-county RTA service
region which consists of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will
counties. Last year, the RTA allocated more than $11 million in federal,
state and local funding to support innovative projects that offered
a plethora of transit options to applicants through transit-oriented
development and local transit improvement plans, introduction of services
and capital improvements.
Visit the RTA Funding Programs webpage at www.rtachicago.com/programs
for general background information and to download an application.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMS
All projects funded through the following programs are consistent with
the legislative mandates and the RTA's updated strategic plan. The programs
range from planning studies and initiatives to transit operating and
capital projects.
Community Planning Program
The Community Planning Program is available to municipalities to create
plans for local station area/transit-oriented development (TOD), local
transit improvement, TOD guidelines, local coordinated paratransit plans
and detailed implementation studies. More information regarding the
Community Planning Program can be found at www.rtachicago.com/cp
Subregional Planning Program
The Subregional Planning Program is available to counties, townships,
councils of Mayors, the City of Chicago, and the CTA, Metra, and Pace.
Eligible planning projects include Subregional and market focused plans
such as transit service restructuring studies or efforts focused on
developing specific market opportunities; countywide or Subregional
transit improvement studies, transit-oriented development studies and
paratransit studies. More information regarding the Subregional Planning
Program can be found at www.rtachicago.com/srp
Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) / New Freedom (NF) Program
The JARC/NF program is available to local governments, transportation
agencies, and the CTA, Metra and Pace for operating and capital projects
derived from the RTA Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation
Plan (HSTP) that enhance mobility for seniors, people with disabilities,
and low income populations, address reverse commute markets and/or provide
access to jobs. More information regarding the JARC/NF Program can be
found at www.rtachicago.com/jarcnf
Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE) Program
The ICE Program is a competitive funding program, established as part
of the 2008 Mass Transit Reform Legislation. The program provides operating
and capital assistance to enhance the coordination and integration of
public transportation and to develop and implement innovations to improve
the quality and delivery of public transportation. Projects funded through
this program advance the vision and goals of the RTA Strategic Plan
by providing reliable and convenient transit services and enhancing
efficiencies through effective management, innovation and technology.
More information regarding the ICE Program can be found at www.rtachicago.com/ice.
___________
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.
July
2009: It is unclear how much of the 5-year 31 billion state capital
budget passed in July 2009 will go the CTA and the other agencies- much
will go to start up high speed rail. $18 billion is for transportation,
leveraging about $4 billion in federal funds and are partially covered
by transportation user fees. The ratio for transit is improved to 1
in 4 dollars. The downside according to Metropolitan Planning Council,
is that money allocated by the new capital plan is not coupled with
spending reforms to evaluate the merits of projects against state goals.
HB2359 - now HB4590 - outlines a process by which transportation projects
should be selected and evaluated. The bill should have been passed in
tandem with the Illinois Jobs Now program. Because it was never called
for a House vote, lawmakers did not have the opportunity to approve
these critical reforms that would change the way we spend limited capital
dollars. Another question is how much is "shovel-ready."
Moving
Beyond Congestion says, Northeastern Illinois' transit agencies will
receive $2.7 billion in funding through a combination of investments
approved in early April and the just-signed capital plan. The regional
transit system needs to replace outdated vehicles and equipment, deteriorating
rail ties and tracks and aging stations, resulting in slow zones and
less reliable service.
The service boards have already announced plans for the state
capital and federal stimulus funds they have received this year. Investments
will include rehabilitating and purchasing new train cars and locomotives,
new buses and paratransit vehicles, remodeling and expanding stations,
parking lots and other facilities. Additional infrastructure such as
communications, signals and electronic systems will also be upgraded.
Riders should see improvements in service in the near term and throughout
the five-year program. We will follow up to send details about the funded
projects.
The state capital funds will help address critical maintenance needs
and move the system toward a state of good repair, but additional capital
dollars will be needed to expand the system and add new services to
meet growing demand for public transit. Also at the federal level, the
RTA is working with the service boards and the Illinois Congressional
delegation to dedicate funding for northeastern Illinois transit in
the surface transportation bill that is being developed in Congress.
For a full summary of the Illinois Jobs Now! plan, visit http://www.illinois.gov/publicincludes/statehome/gov/documents/Illinois%20Jobs%20Now%20Press%20Packet%202.pdf
The
latest revival of the Gray Line Lite concept (now Gold Line)
was cast in Olympics context, by the 5th Ward Olympics Task Force and
by a wider Southsiders Organizing for Unity and Liberation, became 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 involve getting agencies
to work together and find areas where priorities can converge are always
next to impossible.
April 13, 2011,
Wednesday, 4-8 pm. South Lakefront Corridor Transportation Study
opportunity for public input and information. Sponsors may include RTA,
CMAP, MPO, CTA, Metra. At Illinois Institute of Technology's Atrium
of University Technology Park #117, 3440 S. Dearborn St. Information
in a March 30 Red Eye-
http://www.redeyechicago.com/news/cta/redeye-cdot-seeks-input-on-south-side-transit-improvements-20100329.0.5389613_story.
Here
is an update drawn from the July 7 2009 Red Eye:
...a
coalition of South Side activists also would like to commute for
the Gold. Underserved by rapid transit, residents there would benefit
from a proposed "gold Line," an innovative hybrid of both
Metra and the CTA, according to Southsiders Organized for Unity
and Liberation, or SOUL. With the city bidding or the 2016 Games,
the line also would serve key Olympic venues, say SOUL members,
who represent more than 20 churches and community organizations.
"The project would help support the needs of thousands of people
on the South Side," said Dhyia Thompson, co-chair of the group's
Gold Line Task Force. Although the Olympics served as inspiration,
the real goal is better access to jobs -- especially downtown and
in the suburbs -- as well as improve transportation options, supporters
say. Parts of the South Side, particularly neighborhoods close to
the lakefront and south of Jackson Park are among the city's most
populated and the most in need of additional rapid transit, SOUL
believes.
Under
the group's Gold Line plan, more frequent trains would be provided
on the Metra Electric District Line [South Chicago Branch}. The
plan also calls for allowing transfers between Metra trains and
CTA buses and adding a new station at 35th street. The proposal
faces a number of obstacles. These include securing funding, overcoming
a historic lack of cooperation between Metra and the CTA and even
proving the line is needed.
SOUL
estimates that implementing the Gold Line would cost $159 million
[far less than the other new lines described later here and with
a larger pool of riders]. this would pay for adding 26 Electric
District Highliner cars for $91 million a well a for new tracks,
station upgrades and fare equipment [all arguably desirable anyway].
But funding for big ticket mass transit projects is already scarce
to non-existent, experts say. the Regional Transportation Authority
has lobbied vigorously for a $10 billion, five-year capital plan
to maintain and expand transit systems, but the legislature this
spring came up with a "status quo" $2.7 billion capital
package.
But
the bulk of the money for the Gold Line or any other major capital
project would have to come from the federal government. Metra and
th CTA already have projects in the planning stages that those agencies
say would help the underserved Southeast Side and south suburbs
and would bolster public transportation for the Olympic venues.
One
project, Metra's proposed SouthEast Service Line, would extend commuter
rail service through the city on existing Union Pacific/CSX railroad
tracks to 20 suburbs in South Cook and Will counties. A preliminary
estimate puts the line's cost at more than $524 million, but the
figure is likely to be much higher. Meanwhile, the CTA is looking
at an extension of the Red Line that would connect the current terminus
at 95th Street with 130th Street. Estimates for that project rang
from $210 million to $1.1 billion, depending on the specific route.
Gold
Line supporters say a key component of their plan calls for permitting
transfers between Metra and the CTA. "It you put both Metra
and the CTA to work, the problem is that there's no transferability,"
Thompson said. While the two agencies operate independently, the
RTA has been working to implement a universal fare card that it
hoed to start testing next year.
The
Gold lIne, is similar to a Gray Line proposal, which transit advocate
Mike Payne created and has promoted for years. The concept received
little traction from the CTA an Metra. The Chicago Metropolitan
Agency for Planning has included it on a list of long-range planning
projects, but the Gray Line isn't considered a high priority, a
spokesmen said. SOUL has lined up support from community organizations,
several aldermen and state legislators. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.)
has agreed to seek $995,000 in federal money to fund a Gold Line
study.
Members
of SOUL have met with transit agencies and the Chicago Department
of Transportation. The RTA urged the group later this year to apply
for funding to evaluate the need for the project, said RTA Executive
Director Steve Schlickman. "We wil look at hat teh SOUL people
are advocating and assess the value of all the options and see what
makes sense," Schlickman said. But the Gold LIne will have
to compete with other projects for money, he said. SOUL has also
pitched the plan with Chicago's Olympics organizing committee. "We
got involved originally because we were looking for a transportation
idea around the Olympics," said Linda Thisted, chair of the
SOUL task force. "We wondered what could benefit the South
Side long-term and teh Olympics."
Even
without the Olympics, SOUL believes the Gold LIne would be worthwhile,
Thisted said, adding the group is prepared for the long haul. "We're
just kind of plugging along," she said. "Nothing in transit
goes very fast. These things can take years."
The
article also compared getting to the proposed Lincoln Park Tennis
Center and to the Aquatics Center in Washington Park. From an L
line the former is a 15 minute walk, the latter a 10 minute walk.
The former has several buses lines nearby, but mostly north-south,
while the latter connects via fewer lines but equally on n-s and
e-w axes (note that the 174 is gone).
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.
SOUL
defends Gold Line in June 17 Tribune
Your
story, "Olympian effort by lobbyists," (June 7, Chicagoland)
refers to the Southsiders Organized for Unity and Liberation Gold
Line transit project as a "pork barrel spending project that
has little or nothing to do with the city's bid." The Gold
Line will improve transit on the South Side by providing more
frequent trains on the Metra Electric line, allowing transfers
with CTA buses and trains, and building a new station at 35th
Street. This line will serve many of the proposed venues, including
Soldier Field, McCormick Place, Jackson Park, Northerly Island
and the Olympic Village. These venues have a combined seating
capacity of 140,000, so more frequent train service along the
Metra Electric line will help the city transport people to and
from the games and will enable South Side workers to access the
jobs that wil be created in building Olympic facilities in those
locations.
With
South Side residents having the longest commute times in the Chicago
area, the Gold Line is an important priority for the South Side
regardless of whether Chicago is awarded the 2016 Olympics.
Ben
Booker Vance, president, Southsiders Organized for Unity and Liberation;
pastor, St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Chicago
http://alwaysintransit.typepad.com/hyde_park_urbanist/2008/11/gray-gold.html
http://alwaysintransit.typepad.com/hyde_park_urbanist/2008/08/gray-line-lite.html.
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.
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