Mayor Richard Daley is taking bold and innovative steps to stem the exodus of conventions from Chicago (“McCormick Place deal in work, Daley says,” Metro, Aug. 19). The convention industry brings needed revenues to Chicago, and the mayor is demonstrating to the convention industry his commitment to create a more positive environment that will entice convention planners to commit to Chicago.
Transportation for conventioneers is one of the factors he is addressing. An important factor in this equation is taxicab rates, which are set by city regulations, unlike other forms of transportation used by convention attendees.
Yellow Cab recently conducted a study for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau on taxicab rates in 14 major convention cities. Our rates, as compared to the others, are among the lowest. This is a positive selling point for conventions when expenses are being considered during a final decision-making process. Chicago also has more cabs per person than all but two of the 14 cities.
Transportation authorities are planning major improvements in moving conventioneers to and from hotels and McCormick Place. A dedicated bus lane is proposed for the Metra right-of-way, which will enable shuttle buses to travel to and from the Loop and McCormick Place more efficiently. If this dedicated bus lane is also open to taxicabs, liveries and vans, transportation times would be reduced even more. The result would be less congestion for Chicagoans who are using the streets and enhanced transportation for conventioneers.
