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.
