Governor Pritzker Signs Transit Bill into Law
Transforms investments in Illinois public transit, leading to cleaner air, & lower household costs
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Governor Pritzker signs transit package, SB 2111, into law today to modernize governance, avoid transit service cuts, and make investments in the system that benefits Illinois residents.
The following is a statement from Muhammed Patel, Senior Transportation Advocate, at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):
“When vehicle costs are at an all-time high and traffic congestion burdens our communities with pollution, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly are showing the country how policymakers can come together to provide clean and affordable transportation options that keep people connected to jobs, medical care, and each other.
"Illinois is at the forefront of providing safe, reliable alternatives to car travel that will lead to cleaner air and reduce pollution from our transportation sector.”
Highlights of the transportation package:
- Averts the feared “fiscal cliff” that would have cut transit service by 40 percent in the region and cost thousands of transit workers their jobs. This also means the Chicago region will be spared 30 percent more cars on the road and the associated congestion and air pollution.
- Creates the Northern Illinois Transit Authority to integrate fares across Chicagoland transit providers, center rider experience and safety, and streamline decision-making in the region for transit as a regional system.
- Supports transit-oriented development and the increased housing, retail, and jobs that such development creates. Provides authority for transit agencies to develop more amenities near transit stations through “joint development,” which can also serve as a long-term source of transit funding.
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).