Quote:
Originally Posted by the urban politician
^ I agree, esp since Capital and Operational budgets are exclusive.
One thing for sure we shouldn't count on is the Olympics to fix any of this, because they ain't coming. Time to get creative
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I'm thinking the mayor is waiting it out with the olympics to see if he can get a "coupon" for fixing the system for free. Given his track record for putting city money into the CTA pot, he is obviously loath to give the CTA any more than the required amount of tax revenue. With growing dissatisfaction with the service he needs to put forward a "plan"
to fix the system. Thus, the major runs around making statements connecting a Chicago Olympics with improved public transportation. Placate the people while doing nothing. Gotta hand it to him, he knows how to play the game.
Anyway, I'd expect a real (and quite belated) bailout plan to emerge if the Chicago Olympics go up in smoke.
We definitely need more city and state funds going towards the existing system. With some breathing room in their operating budget, the CTA could be made into a world class system. With the current bad blood between springfield and the CTA and the major's lack of dedication in terms of money, the CTA is starving to death.
I completely agree about big initiatives and the need to push them even no matter the operating situation. We just can't stagnate, especially given the rate of change in Chicago's neighborhoods.
Taft