Chicago Sun-Times: All aboard for CTA traffic plan

All aboard for CTA traffic plan

May 2, 2008

The CTA's dramatic plan to create a truly rapid public transit system -- and make commuting by car even more expensive and time-consuming -- is just the right move for a city that calls itself "world class."

The CTA's plan is to dedicate 10.2 miles of bus lanes on city streets during rush hours, with buses making fewer stops and allowing front and rear boarding. Riders would pay fares in advance at street-corner kiosks, and the buses would be equipped with high-tech controls to flip traffic lights green as they glide through intersections.

That's the carrot in Mayor Daley's carrot-and-stick approach to reduce Chicago's traffic congestion. The stick for those who still drive will be higher prices at downtown parking meters and garages.

This is going to be painful. Which is why it should work.

It's one thing for environmentalists to extol the virtues of public transportation to reduce congestion, save gas and reduce pollution. But the CTA's plan, made possible by $153 million in federal money, would rejigger every commuter's calculation of time and money. Bus rides get faster. Car rides cost more.

City Hall should practice restraint in setting higher parking taxes, given that many commuters have no choice but to drive. But when in doubt, the city should err on the side of pushing mass transit.

Something tells us this strategy will work, as it has on smaller scales in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and can then be expanded throughout Chicago.

Something also tells us this is one of those progressive, vaguely European ideas -- like making Chicago a "green" city -- that Daley so loves and will back to the hilt, whether commuters love him for it or not.

We're happy to get on board.


http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/928218,CST-EDT-edit02b.article