Chicago congestion on the rise while transit is in crisis
The average American commuter sat in traffic for a full 38 hours last week, up significantly from the previous year. Chicago ranked second in congestion delays among major metropolitan areas. Only LA was worse.
According to the Sun-Times, “the delays cost the region $4 billion per year and caused individual commuters to use an extra 32 gallons of gas and spend more than $900 a year during peak travel periods.”
This news comes at a time when state legislators in Springfield have so far failed to invest enough money in the region’s transit system even to maintain current levels of operation. The urgency of not only maintaining but improving Northeast Illinois’ transit network becomes clearer in light of the enormous negative economic impact that congestion has on the region. Legislators must recognize that an investment in our transit system helps combat congestion and improves our region’s economy.
Links to relevant news articles:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/563551,CST-NWS-traffic19.article
http://www.dailysouthtown.com/news/563318,091907traffic.article
http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/562462,traffic091807.article