(The Center Square) – With a massive funding shortfall on the horizon, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce is calling on state lawmakers to enact reforms for the state’s mass transit systems before considering funding.
The chamber released a report that contains business principles for mass transit reform. Some of the recommendations include prioritizing public safety and making sure the business community has a seat at the table in future policy making.
President and CEO Lou Sandoval said one obvious principal is for the agencies to be more efficient.
“Identify the efficiencies of where you can consolidate things and it might be something as simple as [information technology] vendors,” said Sandoval. “That’s the low hanging fruit.”
Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lou Sandoval during the Pathways to Cook County Summit in Chicago
The leaders of the Chicago-area transit agencies have pushed back against any consolidation talk and instead have requested $1.5 billion in additional funding.
A measure in Springfield would create the Metropolitan Mobility Authority, which would oversee Metra, Pace, the Chicago Transit Authority and the Regional Transportation Authority. The agencies collectively face a budget cliff of over $770 million in 2026.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the entire state has 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 at an unrelated event in Jacksonville Tuesday. “That is something I have been pushing very hard is that it can’t just be about Chicago and the surrounding areas.”
Sandoval said the state’s economy relies on a reliable, safe, modern and efficient transit system that provides access to jobs, services and opportunities.
“The Illinois Chamber’s guidance offers a balanced, forward-thinking approach to ensuring our transit systems remain sustainable and capable of meeting the needs of Illinois businesses, workers, and the working families they support for years to come,” said Sandoval.
