The Chainlink

Are there any Chainlinkers who live in West Town who support bus rapid transit?

The West Town Chamber of Commerce has unofficially come out against the CTA's plan to create fast, reliable bus rapid transit service on Ashland Avenue by converting two travel lanes to dedicated bus lanes, which would nearly double bus speeds and reduce car traffic. See an excerpt from the chamber's statement in its e-newsletter below.

Here are some details on the BRT plan:http://www.transitchicago.com/ashlandbrt/

For a Streetsblog Chicago post, I'm looking for input from residents of West Town (East Village, Eckhart Park, Humboldt Park, Noble Square, Smith Park, Ukrainian Village, Division Street and Wicker Park) who support BRT. Please respond to the following via email at jgreenfield[at]streetsblog.org or post here.

Your name, age, occupation, general location (close to Ashland is a plus), any partner or kids?

Why do you support the CTA's plan for BRT on Ashland?

Thanks,

John Greenfield

The Board of Directors of the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce is very concerned regarding the current plans for the CTA's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on Ashland Avenue. The chamber has received input from many businesses and residents within the West Town area on or near Ashland, and the majority of feedback thus far is opposed to the current BRT plan. The reasons for that opposition is varied but mainly due to the traffic problems they foresee the reduction from two to one lane traveling in each direction will cause on Ashland, and the problems that limited left turns would create redirecting traffic into residential areas.  

 

The WTCCC Board of Directors have requested that the CTA forward official traffic impact studies regarding the actual projected effect the BRT will have on traffic on Ashland and on adjacent streets. In a presentation by CTA regarding the BRT it was mentioned that there are studies that show the impact of BRTs in other ci ties being positive to the commercial corridor and to economic development. The WTCCC wishes to review the economic impact reports from other cities where similar BRTs were implemented. The board is also interested in any research done for alternative plans to the BRT that would improve north south public transportation in Chicago. The Board has tabled creating an official stance on the BRT until they are able to review these expert studies and reports.  

 

However, it should be made clear that the WTCCC Board's current opinion, having not reviewed any official traffic impact studies, and simply upon reviewing the current BRT design plans and local input received, is not in support of the BRT. It is the opinion of the WTCCC at this time that reducing traffic to one lane traveling in each direction will create excessive traffic on Ashland and divert more traffic to other north south streets causing increased congestion all around. The fact that the regular bus will continue to run and need to navigate the one lane is also a concern, as is the fact that trucks will inevitably double-park as they already do to make deliveries and this will cause major traffic delays and jams.  The Board is also concerned that the limited left hand turns will cause traffic issues on adjacent residential streets with vehicles attempting to reach destinations by turning right and impeding upon neighborhood side streets. 

Views: 474

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Besides "it's expensive" and "not in my backyard," what are the arguments against it?

Good question. Since the Paseo's eastern border is Western, a mile west of Ashland, I assume they haven't taken a position on this.

globalguy said:

What is the position of the DSBDA - the Division Street Business Development Association - along the Paseo Boricua?

Basically concerns about the affect of the lane conversions and left-turn prohibitions on traffic and deliveries.

Read the excerpt from the West Town Chamber's statement at the bottom of my original post for their perspective.

Will G - 10mi said:

Besides "it's expensive" and "not in my backyard," what are the arguments against it?

Most of the stated objections are ones that have were voiced here on the Ashland BRT thread and debunked by people who took the time to understand what was being built.

I had some pretty solid feelings about not wanting this on Western, with some specific reasons.

Was pretty happy to hear Ashland was chosen...

John Greenfield said:

Basically concerns about the affect of the lane conversions and left-turn prohibitions on traffic and deliveries.

Read the excerpt from the West Town Chamber's statement at the bottom of my original post for their perspective.

Will G - 10mi said:

Besides "it's expensive" and "not in my backyard," what are the arguments against it?

RSS

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service