May 31 marks a crossroads for Chicagoland’s transit future.
As the 104th session of the Illinois General Assembly concludes, lawmakers face a clear choice: invest in a world-class public transportation system or allow our region’s transit agencies to slide into a crisis of deep service cuts and missed opportunities.
The Active Transportation Alliance, together with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition and a broad network of allies, is leading the charge for generational change in how we move around Greater Chicago.
At the heart of this movement is the Metropolitan Mobility Act (MMA) — Senate Bill 5 and House Bill 1833 — a bold proposal to transform our transit system into a seamless, rider-focused network.
This is not just about convenience. It’s about protecting essential service. Without decisive action by May 31, Illinois’ public transit agencies will be forced to consider drastic service reductions that would disrupt daily life for a huge number of people and stall any hope of future improvements.
Please take action by urging your legislators in the Illinois General Assembly to support the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act.
A $1.5 BILLION INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE
The MMA comes with a companion appropriations bill that would inject $1.5 billion in new annual operating funds into our transit system. This investment is not only necessary to prevent devastating cuts, but it will also unlock the potential for transformative upgrades — making transit more accessible, frequent, and sustainable for everyone.
SEAMLESS TRANSIT, STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Imagine a region where planning a trip across Metra, Pace, and CTA is effortless. Where every community enjoys dependable connections to jobs, schools, healthcare, and opportunity. The MMA would make this vision a reality, breaking down barriers between agencies and fostering a truly unified rider experience.
A CLIMATE AND EQUITY IMPERATIVE
Transportation is Illinois’ largest source of greenhouse gases. By joining forces with environmental advocates, labor, and community leaders, we have a coalition that recognizes public transit as a linchpin for climate action and equity. The MMA is a cornerstone of the Clean and Equitable Transportation Act, a broader initiative to shift Illinois toward cleaner, more sustainable mobility options.
MOMENTUM IS BUILDING — AND YOU CAN HELP
Across the state, town halls and transit tours are bringing together legislators, community groups, and everyday riders to spotlight the urgent need for action. These grassroots efforts are putting public transit front and center in Springfield — and making it clear that Illinoisans overwhelmingly support a unified, modern transit system.
But we need every voice. On May 21, join us for Climate Action Lobby Day — a chance to stand with advocates and urge lawmakers to support the MMA and the $1.5 billion investment our region needs. Sign up, show up, and make your voice heard.
In the weeks ahead, we’ll share stories from allies, highlight ways you can take action, and keep you updated as we approach the legislative deadline.
The future of Chicagoland’s transit — and the prosperity, equity, and sustainability of our communities — hangs in the balance. Let’s seize this moment and build the transit system Illinois deserves.
Top photo: On April 24, a network of organizations as well as volunteers canvassed on behalf of the MMA at CTA stations for a Transit Day of Action.
Lower left: State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado speaking about the MMA at a recent town hall event in Belmont Cragin.
Lower right: Suburban state representatives and staff on a recent CTA ride-along to discuss the MMA.