By: Sam Bower, Sr. Communications Manager
If you, like me and my friends, believe transit is essential, then I’ll bet you’ve spent time gushing over your favorite CTA bus. Mine is the 147 for the spectacular Lake Michigan and park views. Or perhaps you’ve engaged in harmless discussions about which “L” line reigns supreme (the Red Line). It’s thrilling to see folks so passionate about these public services. When our public transit is operating smoothly, it connects Chicagoans like me to beautiful open spaces like public parks and the Lake, work opportunities, and social connections that build community.
Unfortunately, in recent years our public transit has struggled to operate smoothly and we’ve reached a critical crossroads—we can address our looming funding crisis and establish the world-class transit system we all deserve, or transit will see devastating cuts that impact the reliability and safety of our buses and trains even further.
Public Transit Ended the Automobile Star
I moved to Chicago in 2021 with a Toyota Prius V and a dream. It served me well when I lived in Michigan and drove on roads with lanes wider than most Chicago streets. But in Chicago, it felt out of place—a relic of a previous life. In between street cleanings, the car never moved. I realized that I could generally get everywhere I needed using a combination of my feet, the bus, the train, and in the most desperate times, rideshares. One year after my move, I sent the Prius back to Michigan.
A Sense of Adventure
The CTA swept me up. There was a romantic feeling, a timelessness, to hopping on the train or bus with strangers. In the hustle and bustle of the city, we shared this space together. There is a sense of belonging—belonging to the city, belonging to this community, even a new sense of belonging to myself—I enjoy while riding public transit. I didn’t have to think about traffic lights, oncoming drivers, or checking my blind spot.
When traveling to a new area, or even a familiar one, I enjoy the spontaneity of zipping into a fascinating store or stopping for ice cream at a local ice cream shop. These are the experiences public transit facilitates that I absolutely love.
I am a firm believer that the cons associated with public transit are outweighed by the pros. Nonetheless, within the past couple of years, I’ve grown increasingly worried that the spontaneity and accessibility I enjoy on public transit is slipping away amidst looming funding and operational issues.
A Robust Solution
Right now, the CTA, Metra, Pace, and RTA face a $730 million budget shortfall. Though I live in transit-rich Lakeview East, this shortfall will still negatively impact my travel. There’s no doubt it will negatively impact folks in other areas where transit has always been a frustrating option even more.
Ghost buses, as well as a lack of transit in many locations around the city, make plenty of trips seem daunting. The trips that require a 20-minute walk to and from the nearest CTA stop are a good example. In the extreme cold of Chicago winters, the thought of making that trek is too much and sometimes even dangerous. While I have the ability to say no to those trips or call a rideshare, many folks across the city live within transit deserts and don’t have those options, especially if their livelihoods depend on public transit. If the transit fiscal cliff isn’t addressed, service will grow even more unreliable or even cease to exist.
Luckily, my colleagues are working on a robust policy solution called the Clean and Equitable Transportation Act (CETA). CETA addresses the budget shortfall while also expanding access to safe walking and biking options and accelerating the transition to clean vehicles.
Transit Makes Us Powerful
It’s going to take all of us, using our voices, to urge lawmakers to invest in building world-class transit systems in Chicago and across Illinois. Our legislators need to know we care about improving our transit system. I’m urging you to contact your legislator and tell them to take action to ensure all Illinoisans have access to clean, reliable, equitable transit. I’m excited to see how increased investment in these systems can make our lives more powerful and connected while continuing to strengthen Illinois’ climate progress.
Do you rely on a car in your daily life? Perhaps an electric vehicle is the next move. Our Executive Director Jen Walling wrote a blog highlighting her switch from gas vehicle to electric vehicle. After her old car experienced mechanical issues, she made the change and hasn’t looked back since.
About the Author
Sam joined IEC in December 2021. He oversees the organization’s social media strategy and executes the organization’s communications strategy. Before joining IEC, he worked in communication roles with the North American Association for Environmental Education, focusing on education policy and the City of Portage in the public information office.
VIDEO: CTA, Metra, and Pace are facing a $730 million deficit by 2026, and if it’s not fixed, we could lose up to 40% of service!