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RTA Responds Favorably to House Votes on Transit Bills |
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Action is a step closer toward avoiding service cuts, fare hikes and layoffs on January 20
Springfield – Two transit funding and reform proposals were approved by the Illinois House of Representatives today. If signed into law, both measures would provide the operating funds needed to avert significant service cuts, fare increases and layoffs scheduled for January 20th. The legislation now moves to the Illinois Senate for consideration.
“House members made a strong statement today. They have voted to provide stability to our transit system and ensure millions of transit riders will have access to critical services without interruption,” said RTA Board Chairman Jim Reilly. “We are pleased the House has moved the issue forward, and we are eager to work with the members of the Illinois Senate to ensure quick passage of the plan.”
The two proposals, Senate Bill 572 and Senate Bill 307, both authorize operating funding, institute important management and fiscal reforms at the RTA and transit agencies and contain an historic plan to reform and improve the CTA pension and retiree health care system. The two plans differ in how they provide funds for the transit operations.
Senate Bill 572 is a long-term, comprehensive proposal that includes a ¼ of 1% increase in the sales tax across the RTA region and authorizes the City of Chicago to increase the real estate transfer tax to help support the CTA. In addition, the proposal contains an additional sales tax increase of ¼ of 1% in each of the collar counties, which would be controlled by the individual county boards and could be used for transportation projects – both road and transit – that are approved by each board.
“Senate Bill 572 is a sound plan that addresses the long-term needs of the system,” said Steve Schlickman, Executive Director of the RTA. “It is a regional solution to a regional problem. Only the residents who benefit from the system – those in the RTA service area – would be asked to support the system. We think it is the most equitable way to fund regional transit operations.”
Senate Bill 307 would divert the state sales tax on gasoline that is collected in the RTA region from the state’s general revenue fund and dedicate it to transit funding.
“The regional transit network is critical to our economy, our environment and our quality of life,” noted Reilly. “We all know how important it is. And that’s why we’re eager to get a funding and reform plan through the Senate and to the Governor. We are excited about improving the system to better serve the region and to end the crisis that riders have had to confront for too long.”
Both Senate Bills 572 and 307 address the operating needs of the CTA, Metra and Pace. The General Assembly is still considering a state capital funding plan that would address roads, highways, and bridges, as well as transit infrastructure, such as new trains and buses.
“The most pressing need is to keep the system running,” said Schlickman. “Without the operating funding, riders would be facing service cuts and significant fare increases. The next challenge is to address the growing demand for services in the region. We need to expand the system and update our infrastructure, and we look forward to working with the Governor and legislature this year on a state capital plan.”
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