Chicago Policy
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The 79th Street pop-up bus-only lanes are only a half-measure
Red paint and effective enforcement is needed to make the lanes work better and actually improve bus speeds.
October 28, 2020
What’s going on with the South Cook Fair Transit pilot?
Reduced Metra Electric and Rock Island fares and increased service are set to launch in January, but Lightfoot and the CTA are still not completely on board with the plan.
October 28, 2020
To help restaurants and bars survive winter, let’s make it easy to use car space for seating
There are plenty of ways Chicago can help restaurants and bars survive this extremely challenging period -- if city officials are willing to be flexible, generous, and proactive to help them out.
October 27, 2020
COVID-19 isn’t a good time to start ticketing drivers for going 6 MPH over the speed limit
While doing so might be a win for traffic safety in the short term, the strategy raises some economic and racial equity concerns, and would surely lead to renewed calls to abolish the cams.
October 27, 2020
Better Streets launches campaign to force LSD planners back to the drawing board
"We don’t have to repeat mistakes of the past -- we have the power to design our own future," they say
October 23, 2020
Construction has started to chop off 3 feet of Seneca Park for a turn lane
"The park is a precious commodity, and green space should not be displaced for road expansion," said one attendee.
October 22, 2020
CTA’s proposed 2021 includes no service cuts or fare hikes — for now
The 2021 budget will retain current fares and service levels. However, the budget is predicated on desired federal funds to make up for a $375 million COVID-related shortfall.
October 22, 2020
Raising city gas tax isn’t a perfect solution, but it could help prevent COVID carmaggedon
Raising the city gas tax a few cents a gallon would help deter unnecessary car trips while addressing the budget shortfall, without causing undue fiscal pain for residents.
October 22, 2020
Always use protection: PPE vending machines are coming to Chicago ‘L’ stations
While the initiative can't hurt, it won't be helpful for people who lack masks -- which are for sale just about everywhere nowadays -- because they can't afford to buy them.
October 21, 2020
Lightfoot warns against outdoor socializing, but implies indoor bar, restaurant service is safe
Lightfoot on backyard hangouts: "I'm here to tell you that that has to stop." But the mayor says relaxed rules on indoor bar and restaurant service isn't to blame for the recent spike in cases.
October 19, 2020
