In northeast Illinois, the regional transit system now has $30 billion of unmet high-priority projects, and more than a decade has passed since the State of Illinois last funded a capital bill.
Cragin Spring
2 min to read
In northeast Illinois, the regional transit system now has $30 billion of unmet high-priority projects, and more than a decade has passed since the State of Illinois last funded a capital bill.
Cragin Spring
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace, and Amtrak are joining with other mass transit districts across Illinois for a Get on Board Day event on April 25 at Chicago’s Union Station. Part of a month-long awareness campaign starting today, the event will bring transportation agencies and advocates from across the state together to emphasize the need for adequate, consistent, long-term funding of Illinois public transit systems.
The campaign will encourage riders to contact state representatives and senators to urge their support for a capital bill that should specifically address years of chronic underinvestment in public transportation. The effort includes advertisements on billboards, at transit locations and on vehicles, and online. The ads direct riders and residents to GetonBoardIL.org, where they can easily send emails and tweets to the appropriate elected officials.
“Years of inadequate funding have resulted in transit service that is slower, more crowded, and prone to breakdowns, all of which negatively impact riders and our economy,” said Leanne Redden, RTA executive director.
In northeast Illinois, the regional transit system now has $30 billion of unmet high-priority projects, and more than a decade has passed since the State of Illinois last funded a capital bill. The RTA’s Regional Transit Strategic Plan, Invest in Transit, sets clear priorities for public transportation across Chicago and the region, calling for annual investment of $2 to $3 billion over the next decade.
The Illinois campaign is part of National Get on Board Day, sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, which encourages people to support public transportation by showcasing its benefits to communities and the economy. Each weekday in the U.S., 34 million people board public transportation.
The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.
Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.
The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.
The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
