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 1 st, 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.
