On Thursday, June 20, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), along with Commute Options Providers the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Pace, Active Transportation Alliance, IGO and Chicago Water Taxi, will be encouraging commuters to “Dump the Pump,” by trading driving to work for a commute that uses one of these alternative transportation services.
That day, from noon to 2 p.m., WGN Radio’s Garry Meier will celebrate “Dump the Pump” outside Pioneer Court, the plaza located near the junction of the Chicago River and Upper Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Meier and folks from the Regional Transportation Authority will take the pledge to “Dump the Pump” and encourage other commuters – like you – to do the same. In addition to saving…
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Photo courtesy of IGO
IGO, Chicago's own carshare company, has been acquired by Enterprise Holdings.
On Tuesday, May 28, Clayton, Missouri-based Enterprise Holdings, which owns and operates Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands, acquired Chicago-based car-sharing company (and Commute Options Provider) IGO. Enterprise, which also operates the Enterprise CarShare Network, plans to maintain the IGO name in Chicago.
IGO was founded in 2002 as a Center for Neighborhood Technology pilot program and grew to 15,000 members with vehicles in 40 neighborhoods and four suburbs, and into the only car-sharing service with 100 percent low-emission vehicles. Founded in 1957, Enterprise is the largest American car rental company, and has been in the car-sharing business since 2007. Their first carshare program, WeCar, was established at Washington University in St.…
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Image: Getaround.com
MPC's Research Assistant Cecilia, who authored this post, and her husband share their own convertible on Getaround.com
Owning a car has long been viewed as a symbol of freedom and independence, values deeply rooted in the American psyche. However, new trends suggest that car ownership might just be one of the things many Americans want freedom from. As we reported a few months ago, Millenials are leading this change by purchasing far fewer cars than their parents and choosing to live in more urban and connected environments. Does this mean young people are giving up their freedom to move around? Absolutely not. They are simply not interested in owning a vehicle so much as having access to one when they need it.
The proliferation of vehicle sharing services is evidence of these shifts in preferences. Carsharing, just a few years ago at the forefront of transport innovation, has already become mainstream;…
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Help us activate Chicago Union Station by competing for $5000 and 10 days of programming.
By Kara Riggio and MPC Research Assistant DeVon A. Pruitt- June 14, 2013
You’d think that a Union Station in the nation’s third largest metropolitan area—home to roughly 40 museums, 150 theatres, over 6000 restaurants and more than 30 Fortune 500 companies—would be bursting with fun, excitement and cultural fanfare. Whelp…it’s not! And that raises a great question: “Why can’t Chicago’s Union Station be more than just a transportation thoroughfare? Why not a place to hang out and enjoy for travelers and residents alike?” It’s a huge space—it should be a happening one too.
Got an idea, but no manpower? Or manpower but no idea? Drop a comment in our box below or tweet us @Metroplanners using #ActivateUS!
The good news is, you can help Chicago’s Union Station develop into a cultural…
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Chicago’s Union Station is an iconic building and a major transportation hub—but it could be so much more: a gathering place for West Loop residents, an attraction for tourists, another cultural jewel in Chicago’s crown.
Apply below by Wednesday, July 24, at 5 p.m.
Two winners will receive $5,000 each, underwritten by Fifth Third Bank, to make their ideas happen at Union Station between Aug. 24 and Sept. 2.
Now is your chance to Activate Union Station. The Metropolitan Planning Council’s Fifth Annual Placemaking Contest, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, is awarding cash prizes to the best ideas to breathe new life into Chicago’s Union Station.
We want you to dream it and design it … if you win, we’ll give you $5,000 to make it happen for nine…
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