Traffic in Chicago Sucks

It’s starting to feel like a conspiracy.  I heard on the radio that the city of Chicago is going to receive a $153 million grant from the Federal government to reduce traffic congestion.  That’s how bad traffic is around Chicago.  The Feds are stepping in, throwing money at the problem.  And what’s the Mayor going to do?  Raise the rates on parking, so people won’t drive their cars into the city, and will be “more inclined” to take public transportation.  Do you think we’ll see Mayor Daley, or any city officials for that matter, taking public transportation?  Noooo, the public pays for their private transportation, as in chauffeured limousines.     

Combine that with gas prices - nearly $4 a gallon around here, and you start to wonder.  Pretty soon it’s going to be illegal to even own a car I bet.  Too expensive to park it, too expensive to drive it, too expensive to get insurance … it still pisses me off that the government forces us to endorse a private industry, but that’s another blog.  (Did you know your insurance fees are also based on your credit rating in addition to your driving record?  What the hell does your credit rating have to do with your car insurance?)  If you don’t take your car in for it’s regular “smog check” they take away your license.  In many townships around here you have to purchase a city sticker from the city you live in, and if you don’t have one, you get a ticket.  A city sticker, just for owning a vehicle!  Not to mention annual license plate fees and regular driver’s license fees.

One of the ironies of this is the fact that the CTA bus service (that’s Chicago Transportation Authority for those of you who don’t live around here) has been cutting service.  They’ve eliminated entire routes, and many stops from the routes that still exist.  And raising prices in the meantime.  Less service for more money.  The Chicago way.  Ain’t it grand?  So with less bus service, exactly how does the Mayor expect the CTA to handle his proposed increase in people using public transportation?  It can’t handle the people who already use it!  And many of those can barely afford it as it is because the rates keep going up!  Insanity! 

There’s just no good way to get around here without a car.  Period.  And try lugging a dozen bags of groceries and 3 kids on a bus.  Public transportation just isn’t practical for day-to-day living. 

Sound off Chicago!  Do you take the bus?  Or just feel like you’ve been run over by one?

 

 

 

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