Truman National Security Project

Ever wonder why traffic keeps getting worse? Even with Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s aggressive leadership to bring new companies, jobs and workers to Chicago, you might think that the economy’s overall weakness and rising gas prices would keep many of us out of our cars.

Instead, we remain satisfied with a dysfunctional transportation system. As reported in the Chicago Tribune (“Civic group calls for end to RTA,” Aug. 12), “between 1980 and 2010 … the region’s population has grown by 1.2 million, or 17 percent, to 8.3 million (while annual regional) ridership has decreased by 20 percent, down 162 million annual rides to 652 million rides.” A drop of 162 million train and bus trips means a lot more cars on the road.

Read the entire article here. 

The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Truman National Security Project or Educational Institute.