Transit officials are considering at least $5 billion worth of transit projects in the Western suburbs, including an extension of the Blue Line. Officials are toting display boards and handouts to public meetings on their plans this week.

Nick Lewis came to the first hearing yesterday. He commutes to the city from west-suburban Bellwood. Lewis drives now, but the Regional Transportation Authority wants to extend the Blue Line to nearby Lombard. He’d consider taking the train if gas prices keep rising.

LEWIS: You go to $3.50 for a gallon of gas, why that’s almost a cut-off for me, because at that point I will take public transit transportation.

But Lewis wonders whether the Blue Line will arrive in time.

LEWIS: I’m 53 years old now, so if it’s there in the next ten years, it’ll be all good.

Well, the RTA could have bad news for Lewis; officials say if it happens at all, a Blue Line extension won’t be built for at least a decade.

I’m Shawn Allee, Chicago Public Radio.

• Monday March 10, 2008: noon-1 p.m. at RTA Offices, 175 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1550 Chicago Loop
• Tuesday, March 11, 2008: 6-7 p.m. at Cicero Community Center, 2250 S. 49th Avenue, Cicero
• Wednesday, March 12, 2008: 6-7 p.m. at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Oak Park
• Thursday, March 13, 2008: 6-7 p.m. at Lombard Village Hall, 255 E. Wilson AvenueLombard
• Tuesday, March 18, 2008: 6-7 p.m. at Addison Village Hall, 1 Friendship Plaza (Lake Street at Kennedy Drive), Addison