Opinion: Improved Commuter Rail Services Would Better Serve Chicago’s South Side Residents

Alex Armlovich and Connor Harris of the Manhattan Institute argue that a proposal to extend the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line on the city’s South Side is not the best option. Instead, proposals to improve service on Metra, the regional commuter rail, would make transit more accessible and cost considerably less.

"[Mayor Lori] Lightfoot still resists Metra’s proposals to run these lines more like the 'L,' with frequent service, low fares and free transfers to CTA service. She is doing her constituents a disservice," say Armlovich and Harris.

The new service could begin immediately, they add, and Cook County and Metra say they will compensate the CTA for lost riders. "This fight is a no-brainer. Cancel the Red Line extension, send the CTA’s planned capital spending to the Cook County pilot with Metra, and start building the future that community leaders have demanded for decades: transit service and fare integration on Metra in Chicago," urge Armlovich and Harris.