Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
chicago_buses.jpgWill Chicago get a second chance at federal funds for better bus service? Photo: celikins/Flickr

Looks like New York legislators aren't the only ones willing to pass up big money for transportation improvements if it means putting a fair price on private auto use.

Back in April, the feds withdrew a $354 million grant to New York City because Albany failed to pass congestion pricing. Chicago would have received $153 million of that for BRT pilot routes, but as Crain's reports, the city failed to hold up its end of the bargain:

The administration this week quietly pulled back a pending ordinancethat would have hiked fees and taxes for off-street parking in garagesand on surface lots downtown by as much as $8 a day. The measure wassupposed to be the stick for a big carrot: a $153-million federal grantannounced last spring to begin a pilot express transportation systemknown as bus rapid transit.

But the measure, which arrived in the wake of large hikes inparking-meter fees, drew strong opposition from business groups. Andeven if the mayor had put down the opposition, the ordinance was notapproved by the Dec. 31 deadline mandated by the U.S. Department ofTransportation.

With only a few days left in the Bush era, U.S. DOT Secretary Mary Peters, who initiated the Urban Partnership Agreement to spur initiatives like this, has indicated that she won't cut Chicago any slack. Which means this story could turn into an early test for incoming secretary Ray LaHood. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley still hopes to get the new parking policy through City Council, and if LaHood continues the urban partnership program, the city may not lose the federal funding after all.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Duffy Delivers Mixed Messages on ‘Woke’ Transportation Funding Delays

The U.S. DOT secretary says he's drowning under a backlog of grants from the Biden administration — but somehow has time to uncover for its "woke" agenda.

April 2, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Are on the Cutting Edge

Mr. Duffy goes to Washington to talk about ending spending for "green" and "equity" programs.

April 2, 2025

State DOTs Aren’t Stacking Up On Sustainability and Equity

Vermont is the best state DOT — but advocates say it, and every other state, needs to do better.

April 2, 2025

Virginia Lawmakers Approve Speed-Limiting Devices for Worst Speeders

A Virginia law allowing judges to mandate speed limiters in dangerous drivers’ vehicles could spark similar legislation regulating excessive speeding in other states.

April 1, 2025
See all posts