Ideas for Transit: Big City/Urban Areas
The frequent bus service, rapid transit lines and a big commuter rail networks of big cities are what people typically think of when they think transit.
Chicago's transit network has been neglected in many ways since World War II, with the system deteriorating and shrinking over the years. January 2008 marked a turning point when the Illinois General Assembly approved a large increase in transit operating funds.
It's time to catch up to other cities that spent the last decade expanding their transit systems. For example, San Diego led the way with a new light rail linking downtown to Tijuana. Madrid doubled the size of its subway network in that time.
Chicago's transportation network is heavily utilized and is essentially at its capacity. With unmet needs in some places, and a need for more transit in others, the city needs enhancements and expansion. Better bus services, adding light rail/streetcars to busier corridors, upgraded passenger facilities, traffic priority systems, and new subway/elevated lines are among the ways Chicago's transportation infrastructure could be improved.
While Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, connecting communities with jobs and resources is essential for cities to be livable. These ideals of having a strong transportation network that presents people with options can be applied across the state, in places like Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, etc., by making smart investments with the transit options that make sense for each community.
