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The CTA31/CTA11 Crosstown Bus Coalition has made waves! Riding a rising tide of support, the
group—made up of allied activists from the 11th and 47th Wards—packed the house
at the Chicago Transit Authority’s October 14th board meeting. The diverse crowd ranged from Chinatown
senior citizens to Aldermen Patrick Thompson and Ameya Pawar. Most were clad in
distinctive yellow t-shirts declaring their passion for reclaiming public
transportation in Chicago (see picture).
Mr. Deng, leader of the Pine Tree Senior Council, said, “I
am so proud to represent the Chinese community to express our need of the #31
bus. I will continue to fight until they give us a satisfied response.”
Alderman Thompson of the 11th Ward spoke about how
extensively the 31st Street corridor has change since the 1990s, when the route
was cut. The thriving business
district at 31st and Morgan, plus the construction of beautiful new harbor and
park facilities at the 31st Street Beach, mean that restoring the route makes
good sense. He requested a feasibility study or test route extending from
Ashland Avenue to the Museum Campus.
Of course, our political and crosstown allies have only made
Bridgeport Alliance’s position stronger.
As Ruby Pinto, president of Bridgeport Alliance, said, “In both the 11th
and 47th wards, we deserve better. It's a joy to unite with our friends to the
north in such an important effort.”
