(The Center Square) – Some Illinois lawmakers are calling on their fellow legislators to secure funding for transit systems by the May 31 legislative deadline.
The state’s largest transportation agencies collectively face a budget cliff of more than $770 million in 2026, and if funding is not approved, some agencies could see drastic cuts in service.
According to the Labor Alliance for Public Transportation, “Illinoisans could experience disruptions or discontinuation of transit service, increased commute times via car and public transit, and potential job losses for the thousands of transit workers in our communities.” The groups warned that the impacts of failure will be felt statewide, and cuts to service cannot be easily reversed, even if funding is restored later.
State Rep. Marcus Evans, Jr., D-Chicago, said the pandemic dealt a big blow to mass transit.
“COVID took a big hit on the stability of our systems, so they’re behind, deferred maintenance is behind and dollars are going to be needed,” said Evans.
State Sen. Ram Villivallam, D-Chicago, hosted a number of hearings to discuss the state of public transit, including reforms.
“We want our riders, our residents to be able to get from point A to point B in a very seamless way,” said Villivallam. “That’s the reform we are achieving.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has contended that the entire state had to be considered when talking about mass transit.
“Whatever we do with regard to transit, there has to be a component of it that focuses on downstate transit,” Pritzker said in April.
Villivallam says they are on track to get funding secured by the May 31 deadline.
“That has always been the goal,” said Villivallam. “We do not want people to feel anxiety as they’re going to their jobs, their school, their hospital over the summer.”
