Call for a special legislative session to fix and fund transit!

Fixing and funding transit can’t wait - it’s time for a special session

As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to call for a special summer legislative session to address and avert the transit fiscal cliff. Illinois transit is in crisis, and the CTA, Metra, and Pace are being forced to plan for a devastating 40% cut to service. Workers can expect to receive pink slips in September, and Illinois will be forced to contend with a disaster that could have been prevented. Transit service that was already struggling will likely worsen for the millions of riders who depend on the system daily to get to work, doctor’s appointments, and educational opportunities. We need a solution now; transit workers, riders, our state’s economy, and our climate deserve better. We cannot keep waiting for the “possibility” of a fix during the October veto session – this needs to be addressed immediately. We are grateful to the Senate for passing HB3438, demonstrating their commitment to transit reform and a dedicated revenue stream. Leaders in the House and Senate worked tirelessly to negotiate a solution to the transit fiscal cliff, and proposed long-overdue steps to ensure transit agencies deliver a coordinated, cost-efficient regional transit service for all Illinoisans to have access to safe, reliable, and affordable transit for generations to come. These monumental reforms will improve safety and rider experience, better integrate service across Metra, Pace, and the CTA, including one fare to ride the whole system, and increase the frequency and speed of service across the region. These proposals also include provisions that meet the unique needs of the 50 transit agencies outside of the Chicago region, including 16 major downstate metropolitan areas and 34 rural/county operations. Whether you live in Chicago or Springfield, all Illinoisans have something at stake and need the legislature to finalize these reforms and pair them with the dedicated revenue stream now. The longer the Illinois General Assembly waits, the closer transit agencies get to finalizing devastating cuts and handing out pink slips to the hard working people who get us to and from our destinations. You can help prevent a catastrophe – please urge your colleagues and fellow legislative leaders to call for a special legislative session this summer to ensure Illinois fixes and funds transit.