The recent offering by some state lawmakers to merge the region’s transit agencies proves, once again, what German statesman Otto von Bismarck opined: “What we learn from history is that no one learns from history.”
A plan unveiled last week by mainly Democratic legislators proposes combining Metra, CTA and Pace. They say the intent of a merger would mean a “more responsive” transit agency.
That sounds familiar to what taxpayers and transit commuters were told back in 1974 when the Regional Transportation Agency was formed. And again in 1983 when the RTA — the umbrella agency for rail and bus services in Lake, Cook, DuPage, Kane, McHenry and Will counties — was “reorganized.”
Where this latest attempt — the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act — to overhaul the region’s transit system is headed is anybody’s guess, but there is one thing for certain: The RTA is facing a $730 million fiscal crisis, and in the next few years even more debt after all that “free” COVID-19 funding runs out.
Part of that is due to the fall in ridership during the coronavirus shutdown which hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels; some of it is due to mismanagement; some of it is because of duplicative services, inefficiencies and interagency in-fighting; and some of it is due to the nature of public-run transportation systems. The proposal for the reorganization sounds surprisingly like what is now available — One overarching board, with subsections beneath that board.
According to a story in last week’s Chicago Tribune, under a consolidated system, riders would not pay multiple fares to ride the various transit choices. Yet, some have doubts, including the transit agencies.
Like RTA Board President Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale, a former legislator who has chaired the agency since 2014. “Reforms must come with the necessary funding to upgrade and maximize transit’s impact on the region’s economy, climate and access to opportunity for all residents,” he said in a statement.
For Lake County commuters, much is at stake and the idea of a “one fare fits all” idea makes sense. But can’t the RTA do that as it now exists? Or with some legislative tweaks? Metra recently restructured one-way commuter rail fares within Lake County at a flat rate of $3.75 as long as they don’t end or start in Chicago.
A well-run, reliable and safe transportation network keeps vehicles off the roads. In some cases, for instance the CTA, that can’t always be said. Which is why there is a question if the measure is a bailout for Chicago’s troubled rail service.
In Lake County, Pace bus and paratransit service is a ride of choice for many along the shoreline. Commuter rail options, all run by Metra, include the Union Pacific-North, Milwaukee District and North Central Line. Thousands of residents in the region opt daily for public transportation, which seems to work under the current system.
What the transit agencies need is an influx of money, as most public transportation systems across the nation require. As part of the legislative proposal is a request for an extra $1.5 billion for mass transit. If approved, there goes the cash for that new Chicago Bears stadium.
Fares alone don’t pay the freight and there may be some savings from consolidation, according to planners and supporters of the early proposal. At the same time, suburban officials may lose influence in naming members to the Metra and Pace boards.
The history of the region’s transit system dates to the 1960s, when our dependence on trucks and autos led the railroads to seek to end their passenger service as it drained cash from their freight lines. Once trains of the Chicago & North Western Railway, Milwaukee Road and North Shore Line took Lake County commuters to downtown Chicago. The Soo Line provided long-distance passenger runs.
Bus service was spotty at best, back then. The Waukegan-North Chicago Bus Co., was financially shaky.
Enter state Sen. John Conolly, R-Waukegan, who in the early 1970s served as chairman of the then-powerful Senate Transportation Committee. He helped formulate the legislation that created the Regional Transportation Authority and guided it through the legislature.
Created was a consolidated agency. Sound familiar?
The railroads were off the hook for passenger service. Area bus companies were saved. Mammoth amounts of funding, including a tax on gasoline which goes to help finance mass transit in the region, helped boost the agencies.
The current system isn’t perfect, but does the state have to reinvent the transit wheel? History tells us lawmakers don’t have to start all over again.
Charles Selle is a former News-Sun reporter, political editor and editor.
sellenews@gmail.com
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