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In the June 9, 2004 Lakefront Outlook article "Gray Line idea could add CTA trains to S. Side", Metra spokesman Dan Schnolis stated that "too many unknowns remain to determine if the proposal would even work."
"For starters" the article says, "Metra does not have a fleet of trains sitting unused waiting to provide CTA-like service. 'None of this has been defined. It's a concept of an idea,' Schnolis said. "Until there are further studies and the proposal gets 'legs of it's own,' it is too early to consider the proposal, Schnolis said." Maybe Metra and Mr. Schnolis should do a bit more research.
The Gray Line is a highly recommended Major Capital Project (CATS Regional Transportation Plan Project ID # 01-02-9003 - "CTA Gray Line "L" Route) in the official planning for the future of the NE Illinois Region.
The Gray Line is in fact ranked and recommended by many NE Illinois Region agencies far above Metra's own highly self-touted STAR Line. Metra has 165 Highliners, more than enough to provide Gray Line, and Metra Electric University Park services (even during rush hours).
For an in depth analysis, detailed information on the Gray Line proposal's rankings and recommendations can be downloaded and printed - for your review - from HPKCC's Transit web at:
http://www.hydepark.org/transit/transitregional.htm
and from the Chicagoland Transportation and Air Quality Commission, which ranked the Gray Line THE MOST ELIGIBLE PROJECT FOR FUNDING in the entire NE Illinois Region:
http://www.cnt.org/tsp/trans/ctaqc/projectscoring.htm
Maybe after some induced and interested study, Metra and Mr. Schnolis might see things in a more inclusive light - I would like to hear his and their thoughts; we'll see (I hope it's not "No Comment").
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