BUFFALO GROVE — Providing updates to members of the community, State Senators Adriane Johnson and Mary Edly-Allen hosted a State of Transit Town Hall last night, alongside Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart and Senate Transportation Chair State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago).

“Last night’s conversation reinforced what we already know — public transit is more than a way to get from point A to point B, it’s a lifeline for so many in our community,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Hearing directly from residents about their experiences helps guide our work in Springfield as we push for solutions that make transit safer, more reliable and more accessible for everyone. I’m grateful to Senator Edly-Allen, Senator Villivalam, Chair Hart and all the neighbors who joined us to share their voices and ideas.”

The Northeastern Illinois transit region is expected to hit a $771 million fiscal cliff as federal pandemic relief funding runs out. Public transit riders are currently facing issues with the system, including delayed service, a lack of routes and limited coordination of services between providers. This presents an issue for many, as they are left without reliable transportation to reach health care appointments, jobs, school and more.

During this spring’s legislative session, Villivalam, alongside his colleagues, passed House Bill 3438 through the Senate – a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at providing safe, reliable, affordable, accessible, coordinated and economically impactful transit through viable, long-term solutions.

The town hall provided residents with information about the upcoming fiscal cliff and its potential impacts on riders, steps the Senate has taken to move Illinois toward a world-class public transit system and what is included in House Bill 3438.

“This town hall was crucial in fulfilling my office’s mission to listen to the voices of the 31st District. We had a robust discussion on the issues important to people who depend on public transportation,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “We must focus on the transit crisis to resolve environmental and reliability concerns. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities have reached out to my office to highlight the need for reliable and consistent paratransit and other transportation options. This town hall displayed the urgency to come up with long-term, tangible solutions.” 

To learn more about House Bill 3438, click here.