There was something on the TV news, about the opening of the new
Marriott Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center. (Although
this was the same FOX news I badmouthed in another thread, only reason
I had it on was that it was almost time for The Simpsons.)
The news item also mentioned something about Schaumburg celebrating
its 50th anniversary. And the news item also suggested, that this
might be as major a milestone for Schaumburg, as the opening of
Woodfield Mall some 35 years ago. Although this may be overhype.
But I got to wondering. If this is such a big deal, how long will it
be before Pace responds, and improves serve to that area? The new
complex is at 1551 Thoreau Drive, near Algonquin and Meacham and
closest to the Pace #696 route. A few years ago Pace tried running a
night and weekend variation of that route, but that lasted only a
couple of years. Now, will Pace restore night and weekend service soon?
But then, Pace tends to favor Schaumburg, next door to its
headquarters town of Arlington Heights. Pace built the Northwest
Transportation Center in Schaumburg, hoping it was the beginning of
many more transit centers. Although 11 years after the opening of the
Northwest Transportation Center, we have yet to see any similar new
transit centers anywhere. Maybe Pace decided the Northwest
Transportation Center was a mistake. I question the need for it.
Such a transit center only makes sense if there are regular timed
transfers throughout the day in all directions. And how many Pace
regular fixed routes exist west and southwest of the Woodfield area?
What's wrong with transferring at Woodfield Mall itself? At least if
there is time to kill between buses, one can go indoors and shop or
eat at the mall.
And then, there is Pace's second function for the Northwest
Transportation Center. Special buses for special events, sports or
whatever. Traditionally for the Cubs and Da Bears. Although now that
the White Sox are world champions and there is new interest in them,
Pace serves them from the southwest suburbs. But Pace seems to favor
Schaumburg. Including special service to Tweeter Center concerts.
Although those special buses would also stop at Rosemont. But
considering it's the only public transportation ever to the Tweeter
Center, why must one from Chicago travel northwest in order to go south?
Bill Vandervoort, Chicago, IL
Visit the Chicago Transit & Railfan Web Site at
http://hometown.aol.com/chirailfan/