Mayoral candidates propose ways to increase bus efficiency, accessibility
People cross the street near a bus stop in Wicker Park
From slow bus speeds to increased bus fares, Chicago’s bus transit system is rife with issues.
At a forum in Pilsen last week, nine out of 14 mayoral candidates discussed their plans to improve the city’s bus system.The candidates were quizzed by Chicago Tribune journalist Mary Wisniewski on how they would reduce crime on buses, get more funding and increase ridership. The forum, which was attended by about 100 people, was organized by Pilsen Alliance and Active Transportation Now.
Certain neighborhoods have less access to efficient bus routes, and bus ridership has decreased by 21 percent since 2008, according to a study by Active Transportation Alliance.
“A disproportionate number of bus riders live in low-income communities or work in places that lack access to the rail transit system,” according to the group’s report.
“[Bus transportation] is not an issue that gets a lot of attention, and yet it's a big part of the city's budget and people's everyday lives,” said Jose Requena, a community organizer with Pilsen Alliance.
How do candidates in this mayoral race plan to address the roadblocks in improving the city’s transit system? The Real Chi summarized their answers in this infographic below.
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