Keeping Metra strong critical for suburbs

I read your "User-based pay system will get Metra only so far." (Sept. 13) I agree. Metra is critical for suburban residents and it positively improves all our property values. Without Metra, Illinois would have to add 27 lanes to our existing expressways.

The state has not enacted an infrastructure funding plan in a decade, owes transit agencies $500 million in operating funds from previously passed budgets and cut Metra's budget last year by tens of millions. The federal government is heaping an unfunded mandate of nearly $400 million for positive train control on top of the state cuts.

A recent DePaul University report found that each Metra rider benefits nonriders every year by $4,699 through reduced congestion, crashes, roadway maintenance, parking needs and pollution. Even if you do not take Metra, it saves rush-hour drivers $400 annually in fuel costs due to fewer cars on the road. Two car households who "dump the pump" and a car by riding transit to work can save $12,000 a year - a great way to mitigate high suburban property taxes.

Metra has the lowest fares per mile nationally of its peer railroads. Importantly, Metra has the lowest per-mile operating costs, too. Every dollar invested in mass transit adds $4 in private investment. Where transit goes, the economy grows.

Kirk Dillard, Chairman, Regional Transportation Authority

Hinsdale