Argonne-led study highlights public transit’s critical role across Chicago
Research shows crucial role of Chicago’s public transit in maintaining mobility, economic stability, and supporting vulnerable populations
JUNE 6, 2024 /Argonne -- A study by Argonne and MIT reveals the significant impacts of losing public transit in the Chicago region, from pollution spikes to increased traffic congestion to economic downturns.
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Public transit is vital to Chicago’s metropolitan area mobility, providing access to jobs, services and opportunities, but lower ridership and funding uncertainty are prompting the question of what would happen if public transit wasn’t an option.
A recent study led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), reveals that the Chicago region would face severe consequences if its public transportation system was eliminated. The research, presented at a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) board meeting in May, identifies major consequences, including increased vehicle congestion, reduced economic activity and a disproportionate impact on underserved communities and minorities.
Using Argonne’s POLARIS transportation simulation tool, researchers modeled a day in Chicago without public transit. The study assumed that households who did not currently own a car as well as those who owned only one would need to purchase additional vehicles, leading to a 30% increase in vehicle car ownership and causing an economic burden on those households.
