IL House Announces Formation of Public Transit Working Group

Illinois  House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced Wednesday the creation of a new House working group designed to look more closely at the Illinois’ public transit system and provide recommendations on how it can better serve the communities that rely on it.

“We have a real opportunity to not only improve our public transit system but transform it into a world-class system our communities can depend on,” said Speaker Welch. “As we approach some important budget conversations surrounding public transit, we must also discuss how we can make it safer, more reliable and accessible, and environmentally conscious.  We’ve had incredible success with our previous working groups, and I’m confident this dynamic and diverse group of lawmakers will produce the same results.”

Speaker Welch has selected Reps. Kam Buckner and Eva-Dina Delgado to lead the Public Transit Working Group. Their passion and knowledge of the public transportation system will be an integral part of future discussions. Committed to a collaborative process, Reps. Buckner and Delgado will engage all stakeholders, review any current proposals, and foster new ideas and solutions to strengthen the existing transit system.

“A high-quality and affordable public transportation system doesn’t just efficiently meet the needs of the community it serves, it also provides significant economic and health benefits, reduces congestion on our roadways, and allows the freedom of mobility to everyone,” said Rep. Kam Bucker (D-Chicago). “That’s exactly what the Chicagoland area deserves and it’s one I will be advocating for as we begin this collaborative work. We know we’ll be having important conversations surrounding investments and budgetary pressures, but we must use this as an opportunity to reimagine what our public transit system can be.”

“I have a bold vision for the future of our public transit system,” said Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago). “With this working group and any future legislation, my hope is to make strides to achieve a regional transit system that our communities deserve, one that is seamless, equitable and rider-centered. I want people to choose transit first. In order to do that, we must ensure our transit system is safe, reliable, affordable, easy to navigate, and accessible. I look forward to thoughtful discussions and building a stronger and better system, alongside my colleagues and stakeholders.”

Members of the Public Transit Working Group include:

• Rep. Dagmara Avelar
  · Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock
  · Rep. Mary Beth Canty
  · Rep. William “Will” Davis
  · Rep. Mary Gill
  · Rep. Matt Hanson
  · Rep. Barbara Hernandez
  · Rep. Hoan Huynh
  · Rep. Natalie Manley
  · Rep. Rita Mayfield
  · Rep. Anna Moeller
  · Rep. Yolanda Morris
  · Rep. Marty Moylan