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RTA Seeks Public Input to Finalize Strategic Plan |
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Feedback will be used to guide the future of transit in the region
Chicago -- The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) announced today a public meeting to let the people in the region review and give input on the update to the Moving Beyond Congestion strategic plan. With new funding and reform legislation passed in January, the RTA has worked to update the strategic plan to incorporate changes legislated by the RTA Funding & Reform Legislation. Once the final version is approved in July by the RTA Board of Directors, the strategic plan will set into motion a framework for how our region’s transit network could be maintained, enhanced and expanded for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace.
The Moving Beyond Congestion strategic plan was developed in response to growing road congestion in northeastern Illinois and its threat on our economy. Severe traffic costs residents more than $4.2 billion each year and the proven solution to reducing the cost of traffic’s impact is transit. The RTA system currently saves the region $1.6 billion annually. That’s why the RTA, in partnership with the CTA, Metra and Pace, launched the Moving Beyond Congestion project – to develop a comprehensive regional strategic planning effort to build a world-class public transportation system that is convenient, affordable, reliable and safe, and is the keystone of the region’s growing business opportunities, thriving job market, clean air and livable communities.
The plan will shape how we live, work, play and move around our region for the next decade and beyond and will identify the needs to preserve the existing transit system and will determine how new transit investments can improve the region’s transportation system. Transit is a critical element in promoting economic development and access to jobs, alleviating the congestion that threatens our region with gridlock, and mitigating the isolation otherwise faced by our most vulnerable citizens.
To learn more and to voice your opinion on the updated strategic plan, attend the RTA’s Public Meeting:
Thursday, June 5, 2008 – 4:30 p.m.
RTA Board Room, 175 West Jackson Blvd. – Suite 1550, Chicago
(Near the Quincy ‘L’ stop on the Brown, Orange, Pink or Purple Lines or via CTA buses: 1, 7, 126, 129, 132, 151, or the X28)
Visit www.MovingBeyondCongestion.org for more information.
Those requiring special assistance to attend the public meetings, should call the RTA at 312-913-3200 or TTY 312-913-3111.
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