Chicago Finds Savings in Traffic Control Aide Program

by Mark Cavers The Chicago Tribune reports that the City of Chicago has made progress in reigning in a traffic control aide program that is costing the city millions: “Fewer traffic control aides will be posted at downtown intersections during rush hour after the city laid off about half of Chicago’s full-time brigade to save money.”...

by Mark Cavers

The Chicago Tribune reports that the City of Chicago has made progress in reigning in a traffic control aide program that is costing the city millions:

“Fewer traffic control aides will be posted at downtown intersections during rush hour after the city laid off about half of Chicago’s full-time brigade to save money.”

Last year, the Illinois Policy Institute released a report calling for the elimination of traffic control aides as a way to save money. Our research and a study by the Inspector General of the City of Chicago found that traffic control aides essentially duplicate traffic lights and do little to improve the flow of traffic. Still,the city spent over $10 million on wages for traffic control aides in 2009.

According to the City, this first round of cuts will result in significant savings:

The administration hopes to save $2.3 million by cutting the traffic aides and getting better collection of parking fines.

This smart move by Mayor Emanuel is great first step that signals his willingness to cut waste from the City’s budget. Further, it opens the door for his administration to review whether the other 80 full-time traffic control aides and the 450 part-time ones are truly necessary.