Chicago to Consider Congestion Tax - Any Alternatives?

Question

A Chicago, Illinois city councilman yesterday proposed to join San Francisco and New York City as the third US city to attempt to impose a congestion tax on motorists. The council's Finance Committee Chairman Ed Burke, 62, made the proposal as a means of raising hundreds of millions in new revenue.
What advice would you give?

Answer 1

Actually I'm not opposed to such an idea. Many people live in the suburbs but come into the city for jobs. Many of these suburbs have better public facilities (i.e., schools, libraries, etc.). Also as we all know many U.S. cities and towns are trying to become more "green." Furthermore, the CTA is soliciting the state to help them w/a budget shortfall - be advised I just moved back home (Chicago) w/in the last year and was recently informed that they built a $300+ million facility, I think they should have saved a hundred million and then the city and those that depend upon public transportation wouldn't be in this situation. Well we all know what they say about hindsight, anywho - the city can follow other cities of similar size and impose a $5 fee min. each day or $10 round trip on cars coming into or exiting the city during rush hour (6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.). Many suburban towns charge everyone who drives into their cities so why not? This would

a) help w/pollution, thus we are assisting in the measure to become "green."

b) It will cover the shortfall that the CTA has found and increase passengers as well, thus creating a few hundred more jobs as well.

I believe that (SORRY TO SAY IT) Americans are spoiled, we think that our cars have to show the world who we are sadly. Europe and parts of Asia are so ahead of us re: technology (bullet trains, etc.). I think we can open many doors and this tax may be a means to an end.

Have a great day everyone!!!!

Answer 2

I think this is the best idea in urban transportation policy I've heard in a long time. I don't know the details, but If its what is generally meant by a "congestion tax" it will help to control the abusive behavior of suburban drivers in urban areas.

I live in an intown Atlanta neighborhood (which, like many such, has a lower crime rate and quieter, safer side streets than the suburban neighborhoods). And, like a lot of people, I'm sick and tired of a bunch of suburbanites jamming our main streets, polluting the air and driving with no regard to pedestrians, other drivers, etc. All because they think they're too good to take a train. And then having the gall to demand our tax money be used to build still more roads through our neighborhoods. If they want to drive intown, its time they started paying for it.