State to close vehicle emissions test sites in Chicago

FOX 32 NEWS - The testing of emissions will soon become an even bigger testing of patience for Chicago drivers who will have fewer options for where to get their vehicles inspected starting November 1st.

The facility in Bucktown, as well as the only other one in Chicago on the Northwest Side, will be shutting down because the state is changing the testing program.

“That's not good, no that's not good at all, I don't see why they can't keep a few in the city,” said Darnell Sanders.

The state EPA, which oversees the program, says the new testing contract will offer less expensive and more efficient tests. The time in the bay is expected to be cut in half, so the test will only take about a minute. But drivers remain skeptical and were fuming at the news.

“If they're cutting down more of the places, we're gonna have to, there's gonna be more people, you know waiting, so we're gonna be waiting even longer and the last time we were waiting here, we were waiting a long time as it is,” said Vanessa Sanchez.

Starting next month, the closest facilities for Chicagoans will be in Skokie, Addison, or Bedford Park, raising concerns about added inconvenience.

“You know who knows, it will definitely take me an extra hour just to even get there and turn around even if there's no one there. So, wanted to get it done today,” said Mark Munson.

“Well, I actually work in the suburbs, I work in Schaumburg so it's not a big deal for me, but for people who live downtown it's a big deal. They got to get in their car, sit in traffic for 30 or 40 minutes, it's not going to be fun.  They are not going to be happy about it,” said Trisha Arensman.

Drivers are resigning themselves to exhausting wait times in the future.

“Oh, I'm sure the're gonna be ridiculous, so, but what do you know, its Illinois State government for you,” said Michael Newell.