FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2009

Delegation to ride CTA, Metra and Pace trains, buses at multiple stops for up-close inspection tour of system needs as vast majority of capital funding needs remain unmet

CHICAGO – A delegation of Illinois legislators will ride the region’s transit system on Friday, April 17, 2009 for an up-close look at capital funding needs.  Led by Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago), chair of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee, and Representative Julie Hamos (D-Evanston), chair of the Illinois House Mass Transit Committee, the group will visit and inspect stations, rail cars, buses and paratransit vehicles while being briefed by RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace officials.

In 2007, the RTA strategic plan developed in partnership with the CTA, Metra and Pace identified a $10 billion need over five years for new state capital investments.  With only one major state capital plan approved in 20 years (Illinois FIRST, 1999), the region’s system has been faced with challenges that include outdated equipment, deteriorating rail ties and tracks, and aging stations resulting in slow zones and service issues.

“The RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace are of singular mind on this issue,” said Steve Schlickman, RTA Executive Director.  “More than 70 percent of the total funding need is directed solely for repairs and maintenance.  We are the second largest transit system in the country, integral to the global hub of the greater Chicago area, and yet, we are not where we need to be as a world-class system.” 

Schlickman commends the CTA, Metra and Pace for making the most of what they can with recent federal economic stimulus funds of $414 million and the state’s mini capital bill for $900 million, but the vast majority of state capital funding needs remain unmet to maintain, enhance and expand the region’s transit system. It costs $1 billion annually to just maintain the system in its current condition.  

By request of Senator Sandoval and Representative Hamos, the RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace will host a tour through Metra stations and rail cars, CTA stations and buses, and Pace buses and paratransit vehicles. 

“Investing in public transportation is the right move for Illinois taxpayers, said Senator Sandoval.  “People are sick of traffic congestion and high gas prices are around the corner. Mass transit delivers economic benefits and it's time we get people back to work with a robust investment in public transportation."

National transit ridership reached its highest level in 52 years last year with 10.7 billion trips, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The northeastern Illinois transit system broke records across the board (CTA up 5.4%; Metra up 4.2% and Pace up 3.3%). 

The 2008 operating funding and reform legislation stabilized the day-to-day operations of the regional transit system and instituted several key reforms to increase accountability, identify performance measurements and require long-term financial and management planning.  However, the legislation did not address significant capital needs of the system. The $10 billion need for transit capital investments has been established through internal reviews conducted by the service boards, managed by outside experts and verified by independent third parties.

“I know from experience that we can find a solution for transit needs,” said Representative Hamos, who spearheaded the 2008 bill for transit operating funding and reform legislation.  “I look forward to working with my colleagues, in partnership with the RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace on what will be the most significant transit funding capital bill in Illinois history.”

The legislative tour covers each service board and will include stops at: Metra’s Cicero Station and Chicago Van Buren Station; Pace’s bus and paratransit vehicles (Cicero); CTA’s Madison/Wabash station.  Rides will include CTA buses, Pace buses, Metra and CTA trains. 

A press conference at 12:30 p.m., Friday, April 17, will be held upon completion of the tour at the James R. Thompson Center, the CTA’s Clark/Lake station, in Chicago.