Read the Report.
Chicago – As dire cuts in service and fare hikes loom for Northeastern Illinois transit, a new study by Illinois
PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) proposed linking reforms of transit
agencies with new, permanent funding sources. The report analyzes potential
revenue solutions and provides a menu of funding options lawmakers should
consider to ensure reliable transit funding for years
to come.
“Having funding linked with
stronger transit agency accountability is not just good public policy, it’s the
way to get lawmakers moving so we can keep transit moving,” said Brian Imus, Illinois
PIRG state Director and co-author of the report. “We can’t expect taxpayers to
spend more on agencies that waste money, but greater efficiency alone won’t do
the trick without additional resources.”
The report, titled Finding Solutions to Fund Transit, provides
background on 13 different funding mechanisms for transit including a real
estate transfer tax, congestion pricing, and development impact fees. For
example, the report found the current Illinois
real estate transfer tax to be one of the lowest in the nation.
During the regular
legislative session the House Mass Transit Committee passed legislation that would
reform of the Regional Transportation Authority while at the same time
providing additional transit operating dollars.
Unfortunately, since the
overtime legislative session began June 1st, debate over transit funding
solutions has gotten off track in Springfield.
Without action in the next few weeks, transit service in the collar counties, Cook County
and Chicago
face dramatic service cuts and fare increases.
“The funding options
considered in the report provide lawmakers an opportunity to permanently solve
transit funding shortfalls not just this year, but for years to come. Public
transportation is too important to leave to the ebb and flow of shifting
political winds each year,” concluded Imus.
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Illinois PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) is a
citizen-supported non-profit public interest research and advocacy group.
For more information, visit www.illinoispirg.org
