Private bus companies aren't the only ones blocking @cta Loop Link lanes. #NotaCTABus @ChicagoDOT pic.twitter.com/guNKoJu4hj
— Streetsblog Chicago (@streetsblogchi) July 25, 2016
Increased ticketing of Loop Link scofflaws by police or Office of Emergency Management and Communications traffic enforcement aides might be another solution. Perhaps there’s a way that ticketing stings or regular enforcement could be funded by revenue from the fines.
In the meantime we here at Streetsblog Chicago, along with the good folks from the Active Transportation Alliance and the Metropolitan Planning Council, have brainstormed a way to make sure this issue stays on the city’s radar, and to remind the owners of private bus lines, delivery companies, cab and ride-share companies, that it’s not OK for their drivers to use the Loop Link lanes. We’re launching a new social media campaign: When you see a commercial vehicle in one of the red lanes, post it on Twitter with the hashtag #NotaCTABus and tag the company, as well as the CTA (@cta) and CDOT (@ChicagoDOT). Feel free to tweet photos of private cars as well.
The #NotaCTABus campaign promises to be a good way to raise awareness about the issue, and it will also help decision makers get a sense of the frequency of Loop Link violations. With your we can encourage the companies to do the right thing by requiring their drivers to stop breaking the law. The campaign may also help convince the city to do some targeted enforcement.
We're looking forward to reading your #NotaCTABus tweets.
