On Saturday, transit supporters gathered in downtown Chicago, calling on Governor JB Pritzker and state legislators to address a looming financial emergency threatening CTA, Pace, and Metra.
During the rally in Daley Plaza and the ensuing march through the streets, the crowd urged state leaders to resolve the projected $770 million budget gap or else face a 40% reduction in transit services across the region and lead to the elimination of multiple CTA bus and train routes.
Speakers at the rally included, among others, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and 27th Ward Alderman Matt Martin, and Karen Tamley, president and CEO of Access Living.
One of the speakers was Active Transportation Alliance Campaign Organizer, W. Robert Schultz III. Here are some of his remarks:
For decades, Illinois lawmakers have failed to adequately fund public transportation.
We hear that we live in a world class city. But for decades Illinois lawmakers have failed to meet the boast of a “world class city” and repeatedly underfunded public transportation.
It is time to correct that mistake.
The Transportation Equity Network and Active Transportation Alliance have collected stories of riders that tell the story of a broken system that needs fixing.
If you are like many riders who attempt to use CTA, PACE, and Metra to travel between the city and suburbs or between suburbs, you are confronted by a disjointed system that turns a trip into an ordeal.
Riders’ stories underscore that fact that funding is inadequate — ghost buses, unkempt stations, and lack of frequent, fast, reliable service are evident on the streets of the suburbs and Chicago.
That’s why we are here today — to tell the Governor and Illinois lawmakers “Fix It Fund It.”
We’re here today for the worker who travels from the South Side to suburban logistics centers in the early morning, who would benefit for overnight service on more routes.
We’re here today for the pregnant mother who has to walk up Pulaski Road in inclement weather to a neonatal appointment because she’s been ghosted by a CTA bus.
For the Chicago Public School student who depends on unreliable buses and hours-long commutes.
For the south siders who have long been promised train service south of 95th street and for the west siders who depend upon the long-neglected Forest Park branch of the Blue Line.
For the seniors and the disabled who rely on public transportation for health care services.
For our suburban riders that want to be able to make frequent connections among major communities like Aurora, Naperville, and Evanston.
Our elected leadership need to fix and fund transit in a way that is equitable, sustainable, and not regressive.
Don’t leave hundreds of thousands of riders stranded if the system is forced to contract. Make it stronger instead.
We’re telling law makers to fix and fund transit.
Thank you. Let’s lay a foundation for future generations and guarantee Chicagoland’s status as a world class leader for public transportation.
Please contact your state legislators today and urge them to return to Springfield for a special session to fix and fund public transit. Together, we can build a system that works for everyone.
Send a message to your legislator now!
