While watching television, I find it hard to ignore the use of public transportation in some of my favorite shows. Even in Star’s Hallow, the fictional New England town on Gilmore Girls, there is a bus system. I know that television sitcoms are not reality, but they do depict an exaggerated reality.

Public transportation is something that citizens of Northwest Indiana are lacking from our reality. Sure, we have the South Shore train line that takes residents from the Region to the heart of the Windy City, but that’s all folks. And, wait a minute, there is a bonus. We get to drive at least 20 minutes to catch the train.

“I think the train is probably a better economic deal, because it would make it easier to get higher paying jobs in Illinois while still living in Northwest Indiana,” economics teacher Mr. Rod Wartman said.

Anne Klingeberger, a receptionist at the Lake County Council office, said the plan for the South Shore train line expansion is the only transportation issue that the council is currently debating.

This expansion, which would go from the Valparaiso and Lowell into the heart of the Windy City, is at a bit of a stand still with many people on the fence.

Mr. Wartman said that a better system of public transportation would “make it easier… to get to jobs and to retail places where [people] could spend money.”

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas said in a Northwest Indiana Times article on February 29, that extensions “from the city to the suburbs… creates growth around those areas.”

Not only would there be an economic growth in the area from the expansion of the train, a well placed bus system would help the economy and the environment. Even with the expansion of the train line, driving will be required to get to the station in most cases. This leaves all those who cannot drive stuck in the suburbs.

“I don’t feel like paying for gas with it going up to $4 a gallon, and I wouldn’t have to wait for my parents to come home to have a car,” senior Katie Dillon said.

Dillon said that she would take the bus to work or the mall if the option were available.

The Region should take initiative and invest in eco-friendly busses that will help transport the otherwise housebound members of the community and lessen the carbon footprint of the area. The implement of such a system would also boost the economy by encouraging spending of those who do not now have the means to get to many retail areas.

Mr. Wartman suggested that if the state is not willing to put money into a public transportation system, the state should at least put more money into road construction.

“Generally, road construction is lacking. So as far as public transportation, I think we should be looking for thorough ways,” Mr. Wartman said.

Thorough ways are roads such as Routes 30 and 41 that do not lead to communities. These roads would allow for better traffic flow and, therefore, less use of precious fossil fuel.

No matter what course of action is taken, something does need to change in the Region. It seems to be that Lake County is being ignored by those in Indianapolis when it comes to public works. The state capitol is far beyond Northwest Indiana as far as transportation and roads are concerned.

Something in the Region needs to be done.