Plan for tollway is forward thinking

On May 16, a letter writer expressed his frustration over seeing empty buses and the perception of wasteful spending. His frustration is understandable, particularly if that snapshot serves as the only view of mass transit in the region.

Many believe that transit is only for those who can’t afford a car. However, based on a regionwide survey, the RTA estimates that in nearly 40 percent of households at least one person uses transit at least once a week. In a region where nearly 90 percent of households own at least one car, transit impressively plays a critical role in supporting the busy routines of many households. While transit certainly has a base of dedicated riders, our region has increasingly come to embrace transit as a household’s second or third car. While it might not always be useful on a day-to-day basis, its availability affords people mobility options and allows households to remain productive.

For the region as a whole, increasing mobility translates into a more vibrant and economically prosperous region. As tollway officials advance their reconstruction plans for the Jane Addams Tollway, we applaud their commitment to include transit as an element of that plan. Understanding the need to develop holistic and long-term mobility solutions that will ultimately benefit the entire region, the Tollway is bravely urging our region to break down our silos and to think across transportation modes. The Jane Addams plan serves as a refreshing and concrete example of forward-thinking leadership and a sensitivity toward the wide-ranging needs of our region.

Joe Costello

Executive director

Regional Transportation Authority