Summer means warmer weather, longer days, trips to Chicago, taking in a ballgame, cook-outs and time with family and friends.   However, due to the high cost of gas, many families in DuPage County are having to economize and are looking for ways to avoid using their car this summer, unless it is absolutely necessary. 

To that end, I would like share with you some opportunities that will leave money in your pocket, and your car in the garage, while still allowing you the opportunity to travel and enjoy the outdoors this summer.

In order to increase the public transit available in DuPage County, I worked with PACE to ensure they had enough funding to expand services throughout our community.  Taking the bus can be a cost-effective way to get around, and helps ease congestion by keeping more vehicles off the streets.

I was also fortunate this past January to work with our DuPage legislators in securing passage of the new RTA Act, which will help fund critical road projects in our county. 

For those who commute between DuPage County and Chicago, driving on expressways can prove tiresome and expensive.  We have partnered with Metra to expand the railway system in order to improve the suburb-to-suburb and reverse commute options.  These efforts are being made in order to better convenience DuPage residents.

Another great way to get around this summer, while also protecting our environment, is via bicycle.  Our county currently maintains 92 path miles including Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail.  We have implemented a Trail System Improvement Plan in partnership with neighboring towns and park districts, and constructed 17 miles of Southern DuPage County Regional Trail.

Additionally, Metra allows commuters to bring their bikes on board for trips throughout the county and to Chicago. 

Whether around town or through the trail systems, biking is not only economically beneficial, but is also an excellent way to maintain health.   Biking offers both an alternative mode of transportation as well as the opportunity for exercise.   

As I have hopefully demonstrated, we have been working hard to make sure that transportation in DuPage County is accessible and efficient.  Even in light of astronomical gas rates, getting around shouldn’t be a hassle, which is why alternatives like riding a bike or taking the bus might be just the ticket.  And with an increasing demand for public transportation, we must ensure that our roads and trails are as safe as possible.