To the editors:
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Firstly, evaluating the bus relative to travel times, traffic congestion and rider comfort is irrelevant if we do not look beyond the way current bus routes operate. If given a dedicated thoroughfare as required by the light-rail system (LRV), any vehicle will perform as well as the railed system and fare even better considering that the costs of track, power cables, and their maintenance have been eliminated. In addition, self-propelled vehicles will be more flexible to our city’s future growth and traffic patterns, and therefore, a sound long-term investment.
At a presentation to the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects last year, the Metropolitan Planning Council admitted that the evaluation and improvement of existing bus routes had not been addressed and probably wouldn’t be in the near future. Their reason simply stated that Federal funding was available for a LRV system, so we should spend it while we have it. I don’t believe this philosophy considers the long-term costs involved with such an undertaking. Actually, funds would only be partially provided for and given the existing financial crisis of our transit system, it is advisable to examine the affordable solutions.
