Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition urges support for legislation that creates and fully funds a regionally-oriented, rider-centered transit system
Illinois – Representative Eva-Dina Delgado has introduced SB2111 (House Amendment 001) and Senator Ram Villivalam has introduced HB3438 (Senate Amendment 002)–monumental legislation that would implement significant reforms to Northeast Illinois’ broken transit system to make it safer, cleaner, and more reliable. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition released the following statement, urging the Illinois General Assembly to fix and fund mass transit by the end of the spring legislative session:
“The reforms in SB2111 and HB3438 take long-overdue steps to ensure transit agencies deliver a coordinated, cost-efficient regional transit service so that Illinoisans have access to safe, reliable, and affordable transit for generations to come. Along with these critical reforms, it is imperative the General Assembly takes action simultaneously to generate $1.5 billion in new funding for expanded transit service.
“We support the funding proposals in HB3438 that responsibly and equitably generate resources for transit. Those resources, along with the reforms in SB2111 and HB3438, will improve safety and rider experience, better integrate service across Metra, Pace, and the CTA, including moving to one fare to ride the entire system, and increase the frequency and speed of service across the region. These reforms will connect Illinoisans to job opportunities, doctor’s appointments, and educational resources, and take significant steps toward building the world-class transit system Illinoisans deserve.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the House, Senate, Governor Pritzker, and other stakeholders to finalize the reforms in SB2111 and HB3438 and pair them with a $1.5 billion investment right now. Offering safe, reliable, high-functioning transit options to all Illinoisans is essential if we are to reduce emissions from our transportation system, now Illinois’ largest source of carbon emissions.”
info@ilcleanjobs.org