Chicago to have “congestion fee”?
According to reports, the city of Chicago is considering having a “congestion fee” in order to reduce traffic in the loop and raise money for things like the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Alderman Edward Burke introduced potential legislation at a City Council meeting on Wednesday that would require motorists who drive into downtown Chicago to pay a fee.
I think that charging motorists who insist on commuting into the loop is a great idea. There is really no reason why daily commuters cannot use the CTA, the suburban train system, or ride their bicycle as a way of commuting. However, given that the over $20 per day parking fee does not deter them already, I doubt an additional daily fee would do so. If the revenue is then given to the CTA, however, that could have a positive effect on the transit system. Of course concerns about the CTA’s ability to manage its money would then come into play.
The main problem that I see with this proposal is how they would go about collecting the fee and the costs of setting up that system. There are too many arteries into the loop that would have to be manned (either with a person or electronically) that could make the whole plan cost-prohibitive.
According to WGN News, a similar fee is in place in London, which equates to about $16 per day. It is enforced by requiring motorists to have a pass and those who do not are caught on one of the many video cameras in the city and sent a ticket in the mail. No exact plan for collection or fee amount for Chicago has been determined at this stage.
What do other Chicagoans think of this idea?
Chicago, congestion fee, CTA, Alderman Edward Burke, traffic, chicago loop
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