Its two major components include reconstruction of three of Chicagoland’s major interchanges as well as the introduction of “green lanes.” The goal of this project is to reduce highway congestion and promote environmental friendliness among Northern Illinois drivers.
Now, if this plans sounds somewhat paradoxical to you, don’t worry, you’re probably not alone. From what we know, automobile exhaust contributes to air pollution, and a build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that causes global warming. So, what’s the deal with this plan and how can labeling a particular roadway “green” make it green?
I often say that although living green may be environmentally friendly, but it is not always economically as friendly. To be truly dedicated to this cause one has to make a personal sacrifice. This may be related to technology, comfort, money, food, etc. in the name of the greater good. When it comes to adopting a new green aspect of one’s life, one should consider the “greenliness” of the idea, product, etc., and also consider who has the most to gain. There are some less than moral individuals who look to make a profit however they can, even it means taking advantage of kindhearted individuals who are willing to make personal sacrifices for a noble cause. Therefore, in regards to these “green” lanes, we should examine the facts.
The last thing people driving in Northern Illinois want to see is another “road construction ahead, next however many miles, be prepared to stop, or prepare for delays.” For many Illinoisans it has become very difficult to remember the last time one could drive to and from anywhere in Illinois on any highway without seeing an orange sign. Generally speaking, construction tends to create rather than eliminate congestion.
Why not try no construction for a while and see if congestion subsides a bit? If you have visited the suburbs of Chicago periodically, you will notice subdivision after subdivision being built precisely in these areas of heavy highway congestion. Maybe overpopulation should be factored into this, because as long as more and more people are allowed to move into any given area, further and further highway expansion will be needed to accommodate all these extra drivers, unless, of course, there were a viable public mass-transit system available and easily accessible for all Illinoisans, which there is not.
Maybe the reason the housing industry in Chicagoland has been allowed to explode at an exponential rate over the past 20 years, despite any economical repercussions that may follow, which are coming to fruition as we speak, is that the powers that be in Illinois government have been focusing on only one thing, which is the revenue these people are bringing with them. Either way, despite what anyone in Illinois government says, actions speak louder than words, and the environment has never seemed to be Chicago and/or Springfield’s top priority. Therefore, many Illinois residents may find this project surprising even somewhat hypocritical.
In a state that claims to be bankrupt and who hoped a vote would pass for a constitutional convention this past November in order to rewrite the Illinois constitution so that state pension funds, currently protected under the present constitution, may be sacked to finance other less environmentally friendly projects, how does it plan to come up with $1.8 billion? Basically, they are going to increase the toll rates. According to the Illinois government Web site, there would be “ a modest toll increase for commercial vehicles…” and variable rates established for vehicles qualified to use these green lanes.
So what are these “green lanes”? They are 80 miles of new toll lanes which will be for fuel efficient vehicles, buses, carpools, etc. to use at the current I-PASS rate (not a discounted rate). The I-PASS is Illinois’ electronic pre-paid toll device. Illinois claims if offers a discount on the toll for drivers who use the I-PASS. Actually several years ago, the state simply doubled the toll rate for non-I-PASS users. The so-called “open road tolling” in Illinois actually only applies to I-PASS users. It’s not too surprising people may be pessimistic about this.
During phase one of the congestion relief program, many additional lanes were constructed to detour those who weren’t I-PASS users hundreds of feet away from the highway to pay double the fee, decipher unclear signage, and waste traveling time. It was as if non-I-PASS users were being punished and fined while still dealing with congestion.
It seems, phase two of this project is just another waste of the taxpayer’s money to find an excuse to more or less punish those who do not meet “green” criteria by having them pay a premium or variable rate. Since those who do meet green criteria are not actually paying a reduced toll rate, how is this benefitting the general public or really reducing the amount of cars on the road? It sounds like the state is trying to glorify and justify itself under the banner of eco-friendliness to further increase toll rates for those who do not carpool, or own a fuel-efficient vehicle, etc. The party that has the most to gain from this seems to be the Toll Road Authority of Illinois, certainly not Planet Earth, or the general public. These newly labeled lanes will allow them to bring in more money from vehicles that do not meet their “green” criteria. It may temporarily reduce congestion, but only until more drivers come of age or move into the area. This project is set to be in full swing by 2016.
Of course some simple “green” driving habits are to drive less, carpool when you can, use public transportation when/where available, and/or purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle if you can afford one. So, if you absolutely must drive in Illinois and use the toll way, you may not have to pay as much as someone who does not follow green driving habits.
Ultimately, my honest thought on the matter is that driving (a gas burning vehicle) in the name of living green would be like smoking at a cancer walk. If Mr. Blagojevich really wants to do something meaningful in the name of eco-friendliness, he could look towards making electric and/or clean fuel vehicles affordable for Illinois residents or a construction plan for a statewide public, mass transit system available and accessible to everyone in at least Northern Illinois. Currently, hybrid cars, electric cars and the like are still unavailable or too expensive for the average person. Also, the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), even though it is supported by tax revenue from all Illinois citizens, it is accessible only for those who live in the greater Chicagoland area.
It is only coincidence that the nation is focused of the current doings of the Illinois governor. He has recently had many unlawful accusations presented before him. Despite being asked to step down by President-elect Obama and all 50 members of the Illinois Senate, he still holds firmly that he has done nothing wrong. I am not here to challenge the credibility of Mr.Blagojevich, many others are already currently doing that. I only seek to point out current trends in the “living green” community and help those likeminded eco-friendly individuals take a rational look at things going on around them or in our country.
Of course the general public won’t be happy about having to expend more money just to go about their daily business. In Illinois, or any other state, if the government wants to raise taxes, tolls, fees, etc. that’s their business. So be it, but they should not do it in the name of eco-friendliness unless they are able to provide a legitimate, measurable report on how it will significantly reduce waste, reuse resources, reduce pollution, or contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases, and permanently eliminate a certain problem not just provide a “quick fix,” in this case, “congestion relief.”
Maybe I’ve got it all wrong. If so, my deepest apologies go out to those involved in the development of this project if their hearts are truly in the right place and the environment, not profit, is their concern. However, it is said that history repeats itself. So, I guess we will just have to wait and see. If the Illinois government or any other state, local or federal governing body would like to earn credibility among environmentalists, projects need to be put in place that make living green and any financial challenges associated with it easier and adaptable for all people. When the infrastructure in is place so that living green is the easier and more affordable option for many of life’s decisions , people will naturally do the right thing. This is something that has to come from those at the top who are in positions of responsibility and power. As average people, we can do only so much.