CHICAGO—A survey released today by Illinois PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) found nearly half of all respondents rank transit service in Northeastern Illinois less reliable today than it was from just one year ago. At the same time, the poll found 66 percent in support of a tax increase to improve transit service in the region. The internet survey of over 800 Illinoisans comes as the General Assembly considers transit reform and new funding for PACE, Metra and the CTA.
"Overwhelmingly people across the region value public transportation," said Brian Imus, Illinois PIRG State Director. "Despite feeling transit service has deteriorated since last year, two-thirds stated their support for a tax increase to improve northeastern Illinois transit."
Of those responding to the survey, 41 percent said they had been late to work at least once within the last month due to delayed train or bus service. "Clearly we need a real solution to the outdated funding formula that has led to this problem, not a temporary fix as lawmakers have done in the past. Otherwise transit will get worse and that will have an impact both on commuters and the economy," said Imus.
The three transit agencies that provide service in the collar counties, Cook County and Chicago face a combined $226 million shortfall this year. That means, starting in mid-September, the deteriorating service in the region now will get dramatically worse—with fare hikes and service cuts.
Despite this, Governor Blagojevich has stated he will veto legislation that will ensure adequate funding for transit in the Chicagoland region.
"It's outrageous to think the Governor would oppose legislation that would fix the transit mess commuters are facing today, particularly when you consider the hundreds of thousands who will be affected," said Imus.
In addition to support for increasing taxes to pay for transit, nearly 90 percent stated support for improving and expanding the current transit system in northeastern Illinois.
The Illinois Public Interest Research Group (Illinois PIRG) is a non-profit consumer advocacy group representing 10,000 citizen members across the state. For more, visit www.illinoispirg.org
