Report on Urban Mobility and Sustainable Development in Chicago

Public Transit Fare Structure Review

• The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is evaluating potential fare increases, which may be reflected in the October agency budgets. Local transit fares have not been adjusted since 2018.
• According to analysis by Crain’s, adjusting the current $2.50 ‘L’ fare for inflation would result in a price of approximately $3.20.
• SDG Alignment: This review has significant implications for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), particularly target 11.2 concerning access to affordable and sustainable transport. It also intersects with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as fare affordability is a key factor in ensuring equitable access to mobility for all income groups.

Enhancement of Transit System Transparency and Reliability

• The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has begun publicly sharing data on canceled bus runs to address the issue of “ghost buses.”
• This initiative aims to improve service reliability and accountability, thereby enhancing the sustainability of the public transport network.
• SDG Alignment: This action directly supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by making the transport system more efficient and user-focused. Furthermore, it aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.

New Legislation for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

• A new Illinois law sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz will mandate that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) identify and implement necessary infrastructure improvements following pedestrian and cyclist fatalities on its roadways.
• This legislative action is designed to create safer environments for vulnerable road users.
• SDG Alignment: The law is critically aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), specifically target 3.6, which aims to halve global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents. It also advances SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by ensuring transport systems are safe and accessible for all.

Bicycle Infrastructure as a Tool for Equity and Sustainability

• Advocates, including the Grassroots Empowerment Mission, have highlighted that the development of bicycle lanes, such as the Long Avenue neighborhood greenway, serves broader goals of equity, safety, and community connection.
• This infrastructure is presented as a vital component of a multi-modal, sustainable urban transport system.
• SDG Alignment: These projects contribute to several SDGs:
  1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By providing sustainable transport infrastructure.
  2. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): By offering equitable and low-cost mobility options.
  3. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): By promoting active transportation.
  4. SDG 13 (Climate Action): By encouraging zero-emission travel.

Public Transit Capacity and Ridership Trends

• Metra commuter rail services reported a substantial increase in ridership during the Lollapalooza festival, demonstrating the system’s capability to manage high-demand periods and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
• This trend underscores the role of mass transit in creating more sustainable urban environments, especially during large-scale events.
• SDG Alignment: High public transit utilization directly supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mitigating road congestion and lowering carbon emissions.

Stakeholder Engagement on Transit Legislation

• The Transit is the Answer Coalition is hosting a public Zoom meeting on August 13 to provide an analysis of new transit legislation.
• This event facilitates collaboration and public discourse on policies aimed at improving sustainable transportation.
• SDG Alignment: This initiative exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration among stakeholders to advance the objectives of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This goal is addressed through the focus on road safety. The article highlights a new law that compels the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to identify infrastructure improvements specifically “to prevent pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.” This directly connects to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being by reducing deaths and injuries from traffic accidents.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. It is connected through multiple issues related to making transportation systems in cities safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable. The article discusses public transit fares (affordability), the reliability of bus services (accessibility), the installation of bike lanes for safety and equity, rising commuter rail ridership (sustainability), and new legislation to make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.6: By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.

  This target is directly relevant to the new law mentioned in the article, which “will compel IDOT to ID infra improvements to prevent pedestrian and cyclist fatalities when someone dies on their roads.” The law’s explicit purpose is to make streets safer and reduce fatalities, aligning perfectly with the objective of Target 3.6.

• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations…

  This target is addressed comprehensively. The discussion on potential transit fare hikes relates to the “affordable” aspect. The issue of “ghost buses” and the public sharing of data on canceled runs pertains to the “accessible” and reliable nature of public transport. The focus on bike lanes and new laws for pedestrian safety addresses the “safe” and “road safety” components, with a clear focus on vulnerable users (pedestrians and cyclists).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, several indicators are mentioned or implied that can measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 3.6 (Death rate due to road traffic injuries)

  The article explicitly mentions “pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.” The number of such fatalities on state roads is a direct indicator that the new law aims to reduce. Progress can be measured by tracking the change in the number of these deaths over time following the infrastructure improvements mandated by the law.

• Indicators for Target 11.2 (Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport; affordability, safety, and sustainability of transport)

  The article provides several data points that can serve as indicators:

  1. Affordability: The cost of a transit fare (e.g., the “$2.50 ‘L’ ride”) is a direct indicator of affordability. Tracking fare prices against inflation, as the article does, measures whether transit remains affordable.
  2. Accessibility/Reliability: The data on “canceled runs” of buses, now being publicly shared by the CTA, serves as a key indicator of the reliability and accessibility of the public transport system. A reduction in “ghost buses” would indicate progress.
  3. Safety & Infrastructure for Vulnerable Users: The implementation of new infrastructure like the “Bike lanes [on] Long Ave.” is a tangible indicator of progress in providing safe options for cyclists.
  4. Public Transport Usage: The mention that “Metra ridership rises” is a direct indicator of the proportion of the population using sustainable public transport.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: chi.streetsblog.org