When it comes to transportation, there's a lot riding on new Chicago mayor
When he's not working to reduce violence, fix schools and ease poverty, new Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson can take a break and pivot to transportation.
Inexplicably to those of us obsessed with things that move, the O'Hare 21 expansion, which involves building a new Global Terminal plus two concourses costing $7 billion, was a nonfactor in the mayoral election. In just a few years, the Illinois tollway should complete the eastward extension of the former Elgin-O'Hare Expressway to the west side of the airport, a game-changer for surrounding suburbs.
Another bump in the road is a $730 million"fiscal cliff" projected in 2026 for Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority. Persuading state legislators and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to dump the 50% requirement and possibly pony up replacement funding won't be easy. Could Johnson, whose tough-fought victory over Paul Vallas propelled him to rising-star status in the Democratic Party, deliver votes?Johnson grew up in the suburbs in a working-class family. He's familiar with public transit and recalls relying on Metra when he obtained his master's degree from Aurora University.
As part of the solution, Johnson intends to hire more bus drivers and train operators. Increased staffing will reduce delays and restore service because when riders are left waiting"on empty platforms or at unlit bus stops, they are more vulnerable to potential crime," according to his transportation plan.
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