Chicago Tribune - November 11, 2002
Mike Payne says he ...won't stop pursuing his dream of helping bring better transit services to underserved communities on the Southeast Side.
Especially since the government agency responsible for long-term plannning in the Chicago region has placed Payne's idea for a new Chicago Transit Authority rail line on its list of potential projects. ...
The beauty of the concept lies in its simplicity, harnessing infrastructure that is already in place.
The Gray Line would use Metra tracks and Highliner trains that mostly sit idle during non-rush hour periods and offer CTA-style "L" service with trains operating 10 to 20 minutes apart.
In addition, riders would be able to transfer between the Gray Line and CTA buses and trains without paying the separate fares that now work as barriers to a seamless transit network.
The plan would also facilitate cost-effective use of existing CTA and Pace routes as feeders to the Gray Line...
Payne has studied population and employment data compiled by the Northeastern illinois Planing Commission and he estimates the 2-mile Gray Line could be supported by up to 70,000 riders each weekday, compared with the fewer than 5,000 daily commuters who ride the Metra Electric...
"With the new industry shaping up on the former US. Steel site, the Gray Line would...give workers better access to the city."...
CATS held meetings over the summer seeking fresh ideas....Payne's plan is one of more tha 300 projects on the "Shared Path 2030" list that have been accepted for review. ..."In the next few months we will winnow the list...and come up with a draft recommended plan by March or April," said Eugene Ryan....Payne's plan is hardly a shoo-in, and changes would be required to make it work.
But officals of CATS and the Regional Transportation Authority applaude Payne for his attempt to improve coordination of CTA and Metra services--something the two tdransit agencies have largely resisted....
Michael Shiffer, vice president of planning and development of the CTA called the Gray Line propopsal interesting and innovative, but said it faces "institutional challenges"...
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