Chicago shouldn't be surprised if drivers don't take to transit once its new pricing scheme is enacted. No matter the cost, most motorists won't make the switch until the city's transit system is more reliable, argues a recent column.
"With the help of a $153 million federal grant, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Transit Authority hope to get more drivers to leave their cars in the garage. The money will be used to test a plan to provide bus-only lanes during rush hour and to implement a congestion-pricing system on downtown parking. The idea is to make riding the bus more pleasant and driving a car pure hell.
The latter will be accomplished on Day One, when motorists are squeezed into fewer lanes to make room for the unleashed buses. When those drivers finally get downtown, they'll pay premium rates on parking meters, or higher taxes to park in lots and garages. A day or two of that and they'll abandon their cars and join all the happy campers cruising to work in the new bus lanes, right? Not likely.
CTA riders will tell you the buses and trains are anything but reliable. Buses arrive at the stop late-and full. Trains crawl through slow zones or park on the tracks for several minutes without explanation. Aged trains and buses are prone to breakdowns. Monday's 30-minute commute takes 55 minutes on Tuesday and longer than an hour on Friday."
"If Chicago wants to migrate drivers to mass transit, it should concentrate on making the buses and trains a better option, not making the car a worse one. Or as Alasdair Cain, senior research associate at the National Bus Rapid Transit Institute in Tampa, puts it: "Avoid implementing the stick before the carrot is there." "
FULL STORY: The $153 million traffic jam
It’s Time to Embrace Congestion Pricing
Charging based on demand and for access is commonplace—except on roads.
Op-Ed: 'Public Mood' Has Turned Against Cars in Cities
A survey of recent planning decisions demonstrates that cities are no longer necessarily looking to more and bigger highways to solve their traffic problems.
10 Signs L.A. is on the Right Track with its Transit Transition
From plans to maximize development opportunities around bustling Union Station to newly operating congestion pricing schemes and rail lines that have shattered ridership expectations, Los Angeles is making progress towards a transit-rich future.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)