As the Chicago region experiences brisk growth in population, housing and employment, the demand for a viable transportation system becomes apparent. Commuter rail service relieves roadway traffic congestion and serves to greatly enhance regional mobility. Access to transit in the suburban areas is a critical component of regional mobility, therefore sufficient parking facilities are required to make transit use an attractive option for travel. Parking is the key in growing the commuter rail system in the Chicago region. Without sufficient parking, ridership levels would remain stagnant or shrink. In addition, the need for more efficient utilization of existing parking facilities, while providing for expansion, is required to be in place to accommodate the growing needs of both current and potential transit users. In recent years, the transit industry has explored the applicability of new and improved technological solutions involving intelligent transportation systems to its current and future parking needs. Intelligent transportation systems for transit promise to have a positive effect on ridership and revenues while making transit systems more attractive to customers. Transit professionals in northeastern Illinois are undertaking one such effort. (A*)
Abstract