The public transportation system throughout much of Illinois requires a
drastic overhaul to improve carbon emissions and promote cleaner travel, reduce traffic congestion, create
jobs and serve citizens efficiently. The Texas Transportation Institute ranked Chicago one of the three worst
cities in the country when it comes to road congestion. Mass transit is still on the verge of collapse in many
areas and pollution and travel time will only worsen if something isn't done quickly!
The best way to help ease the region’s traffic congestion is to simply reduce the amount of cars on the road.
To do this, I am proposing a major overhaul in our mass transit system. We need to expand our rail
infrastructure locally and throughout the state/Midwest. Also, we can begin adding bus lanes along existing
roadways; we can promote bicycling as a means of commuting by improving bike routes; and we should encourage
carpooling in more effective ways.
We can’t expect the mass transit systems to magically fix themselves. It’s too large of an infrastructure to
be laid to rest either. We must reinvest in them so they can thrive and blossom into self-financing agencies.
Who wants to ride a slow rickety train into the city? From what I have witnessed firsthand everyday while
riding public transportation, you get what you pay for and right now, we’re seeing the bare bones. The revenues
generated by an environmental "true cost" tax on automotive manufacturers and the oil industry should be used
to fund alternative modes of transportation, including the purchase of rights-of-way for mass transit systems,
and to educate the public as to the advantages of mass transit.
Highway expansion is not the solution and will only lead to more problems, whereas mass transit has always
had a preexisting infrastructure and can easily be revamped to remedy road congestion, quick reliable commutes,
and spur our local economy. Currently, road funding outspends mass transit by more than a 5 to 1 margin! That’s
not right. Mass transit throughout the state is still in shambles and if something sustainable doesn’t come
out of Springfield soon, we’ll all be sorry. I will push to see more equal funding for all our public
transportation needs.
In addition, locally I will work dilligently at receiving federal funds and working with Congressmen and Senators
to convert the Indiana Harbor Belt rail line into a commuter line as well as for freight and cargo. There is also
an economic need to extend the CTA Blue Line from Forest Park to Yorktown Shopping Center, ideally, but to at least
25th Ave. Feasibility have been underway for years and it's time to end the talk and follow through on these crucial
projects!
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