So instead of one side fighting for an extremely expensive rail system and having our own version of Flagler's Folly if it is not successful, and the other saying no enhancements at all, here may be a way to spend a whole lot less money while achieving the same effect. People may not be much for city buses, but there's always been a lot of love for the good ole Tri-State coach to the airports. If the time with a bus/rail hybrid plan can approximate the travel time you'd get with rail extensions, let's see if people take to this.
I know there's a map somewhere showing abandoned rights of way. I wonder what exists to pull this off. Plus, with buses, you can vary routes as needed. It may not be as necessary at this end, but remember Metra controls the tracks after Kensington, where the South Shore rolls at Metra's will. If things ever got hinky with them, maybe then consider having our buses find a way from 111th to the Loop through Chicago former rail (or former commuter train) corridors.
Do you think this is a more viable thing, or is transit extension to Lowell and Valparaiso just a general no-go and not worth public monies? Each bus will remove 40+ cars from overcrowded as they are South Shore parking lots, plus get them out of the general traffic flow crowding the highways. And since the buses are dedicated, they most certainly can be synchronized with the train timetable, with allowances for train delays.
Bibliography: Times article, Flagler's Folly.
