Anyone who lives in Whiting or passes through on a regular basis probably has a hard time understanding why gas prices around here were the highest in the continental U.S. last weekend.
But we're told the
BP refinery still is off its normal production schedule because of a fire there more than two months ago, and this is why we're dropping $40 and more every time we fuel up.
Or at least those of us who can afford it are. As gas prices soar, it is more important than ever that the region's public transportation infrastructure get a much-needed upgrade.
The hot topic now is how to fund the proposed South Shore extensions to Lowell and Valparaiso. Chet Dobis' proposed car tax went nowhere, but at least it got the discussion started.
Legislators need to revisit that issue when they reconvene. But while expanding mass transit options in Northwest Indiana must remain a high priority, we can't forget about the current system.
It's inadequate for the population -- 650,000 or so folks in Lake and Porter counties, plus tens of thousands more in Chicago's southern suburbs. Commuters heading downtown must deal with chronic overcrowding and too many delays on the South Shore Line, or drive west to catch the
Metra Electric line in Homewood or Hazel Crest.
And the bus is only an option for those in the older towns along the lakeshore or those close to Pace's suburban service.
Though a regional bus authority is up and running, there is hostility from the no-taxes crowd toward the idea of a true regional transit authority that would oversee rail and bus service in Northwest Indiana. But the people most reliant on bus service in particular are those most impacted by skyrocketing gas prices: the working poor and the elderly.
It's time to take advantage of the fact that gas prices are changing people's habits by making them take a longer look at mass transit.
An RTA could work with the South Shore Line in negotiating with Metra to add more trains, and could help secure funding for additional cars to run on those trains.
It also could make sure that bus service in Gary, Hammond and East Chicago is at least maintained at current levels.
And once the South Shore has the capacity to accommodate more riders, express bus service to rail stations could be added to serve commuters from south Lake County's bedroom communities.
With gas prices flirting with $4 or $5 a gallon, it's the responsible thing to do. Let's hope politicians here and in Indianapolis have the vision and courage to make it happen.