Chicago area is not alone in transit woes, survey says

John Hilkevitch:

Some 85 percent of U.S. transit systems are reporting capacity problems, due mainly to high gas prices, according to a new survey conducted by the American Public Transportation Association, the trade group representing transit agencies.

In addition, 65 percent of the agencies questioned say they don't have funding for more service, the survey found.

To Chicago-area residents, it sounds all too familiar.

The hefty ridership increases at the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace are what transit leaders dreamed about in past years.

Yet the three agencies don't have nearly enough trains and buses to handle the crowds.

Packed buses get stuck in traffic. Old buses break down, adding to traffic backups and fewer buses in service.

Antiquated rail signaling systems, freight congestion on commuter rail lines and crumbling viaducts require trains to go slower, making for longer travel times as more riders are forced to stand on crowded trains.

Without steady state capital funding to address the problems, the transit agencies make do. Instead of providing a more comfortable ride for its customers, the CTA on Friday began removing some seats on Brown Line trains to cram more riders aboard.

There is some work to be done is there not?