Transit Future

On Wednesday July 11, 2007 transit advocates from Northeastern Illinois including CNT, Illinois PIRG, Metro Seniors In Action, the Transit Riders Alliance and Progressive Public Affairs traveled to Springfield to lobby in support of SB572. Those in attendance spoke with 20 Senators and 25 Representatives, and while few are opposed to the bill, many were not aware of all of its components. Like everything else in Springfield, transit has taken a backseat to the budget and has not received the attention it is due.

Although the Governor has promised to veto any sales tax increase that has not deterred legislators from supporting the bill. They applaud the fact that it is a long-term regional solution to a regional problem, rather than another band-aid. Additional amendments are expected to include CTA pension and health care reform, RTA governance and a downstate transit component. Transit advocates from various groups will continue to travel to Springfield to raise awareness about SB572, stressing the urgency of addressing the transit crisis this session.

Stay tuned for information on the next lobby day!

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS CALL ON LAWMAKERS TO SAVE TRANSIT

WHAT:

Press conference in Springfield by environmental and public interest advocates urging Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly to act on transit funding proposals. Improving the region’s transit system is the surest method to reduce air pollution, curb sprawling development and mitigate emissions of global warming gases.

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 20th 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:

State Capitol, Blue Room

WHO:

Center for Neighborhood Technology
Openlands Project
Sierra Club
Illinois Public Interest Research Group
American Lung Association

CONTACT:

David LeBreton, Center for Neighborhood Technology 773-269-4043

Brian Imus, Illinois PIRG 312-399-3834

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Building on the success of Thursday’s press conference and continuing in our efforts to make transit a priority in the current legislative session, this Wednesday June 20^th at 11 AM in the Illinois Capitol we will be holding another press conference with environmental leaders and transit advocates. The focus of the press conference will be similar (environmental impact of proposed service cuts and fare increases for all three service boards) but will also highlight the current deadlock on transit funding and reform. We are also planning on meeting with legislators before and after the press conference while in Springfield if they are in session.

We will be taking the 7 AM train from Union Station and returning that same day on the 4:57 train if anyone is interested in traveling with the group.

If you are unable to travel, please consider sending a representative from your organization or asking your staff in Springfield to attend. To RSVP or if you have any questions, please email me or call me at 773.269.4043.

This Wednesday, June 20, the Transit Future staff are heading down to Springfield once again to educate legislators about why transit funding and reform need to be top priorities now.

In addition to having the opportunity to voice your support of transit, lobbying is really a worthwhile experience for any registered voter.  Our past volunteers have expressed that it was enlightening both to understand the political process and to see how accessible state legislators really are.

If you would like to join us, we take the 301 Lincoln Service Amtrak train from Union Station down to Springfield departing at 7 a.m., and come back on the 304 Lincoln Service Amtrak that leaves at 4:57.

If you would like to come or have any further questions, please contact Emily at emily@cnt.org or (773) 269-4070.

           

Environmental Leaders Rally in Support of Public Transportation

 

CHICAGO — The region’s top environmental leaders gathered this morning at the Environmental Law & Policy Center to speak out on the importance of public transportation and called upon Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly to forge a long-term solution to the pending transit crisis. The group stressed that an investment in public transportation now would help to mitigate the impacts of global warming over the coming decade; and that a failure to invest would lead to dire environmental consequences in Northeastern Illinois. 

 

“A major metropolitan region such as Northeastern Illinois deserves a vibrant, efficient and convenient transit system,” said Shannon Fisk, Staff Attorney with the Midwest Office of the Natural Resources Defense Council.  “Instead, service cutbacks are threatening to bring more congested roads, longer work commutes, and dirtier air for everybody in the region.  The General Assembly and the Governor should approve Representative Hamos’ plan to provide additional investment in CTA, Metra, and Pace, and to implement common sense reforms at the Regional Transit Authority.”

 

The group, which included the Delta Institute, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), Congress for New Urbanism, Illinois PIRG, League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Openlands Project, American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and other environmental organizations signed a petition declaring their support for increased funding for public transportation. The petition was delivered to Governor Blagojevich as well as party leaders in the General Assembly, which has until July 1^st to take action on the $226 million deficit faced by the CTA, Metra, and Pace.

 

“The Governor has publicly stated that Illinois should cut the production of greenhouse gasses to 1990 levels by 2020,” Scott Bernstein, President of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, reminded the group. “Since motor vehicles alone account for more than one third of greenhouse gasses, there is simply no way to achieve that kind goal without strong regional transit. Transit will be the backbone of any successful climate change strategy in Illinois.”   

 

While public transportation’s benefits to the environment were stressed, it was also argued that such benefits go hand in hand with transit’s role in improving our economic and public health.  “A strong public transportation system is critical to reducing global warming pollution,” explained Joe Shacter, senior policy advocate at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.  “Plus, when transit use goes up people drive less, leading to improved air quality, fewer respiratory illnesses, and increased household savings.”

 

 

“No one wants the transit agencies to cut services or raise fares,” said Anna Frostic, Environmental Health Advocate with the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago. “The Governor and General Assembly must find a long-term solution to transit funding, otherwise the entire state will feel the impact in our pocketbooks, congested roads and the air we breathe for decades to come.”  

 

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Transit Crisis in Northeastern Illinois

The CTA, Metra, and Pace are facing a $226 million budget deficit that will force them to cut service and raise fares as early as July 1^st unless action is taken by the Governor and Illinois General Assembly. Please join members of the environmental community for a press conference drawing attention to the potentially devastating environmental impact of these cuts on Thursday June 14 at 10 AM at the Environmental Law and Policy Center, 35 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 1300.

Participating organizations include:

• Openlands Project
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Illinois PIRG
• American Lung Association
• Environmental Law and Policy Center
• US Green Building Council-Chicago Chapter
• League of Conservation Voters
• Center for Neighborhood Technology

To RSVP or for more information, please contact

• David LeBreton at 773/269-4043.

Transit Oriented Links:

Campaign for Better Transit

Chicagoland Bicycle Federation

Ask Carole – CTA Board Chair Carole Brown’s Blog

Illinois PIRG

Little Village Environmental Justice Organization

Metro Seniors in Action

Midwest High Speed Rail Association

Moving Beyond Congestion

Neighbor’s Project

Save Chicagoland Transit

Work, Welfare and Families

State Government Links:

Special Committee on Mass Transit for Northeastern Illinois

Illinois General Assembly

Governor Rod Blagojevich

Service Providers:

Chicago Transit Authority

Metra

Pace

Regional Transportation Authority

“Village manager is right to call for more Metra service” - Daily Southtown Editorial, August 15 2007

“Pace fares go up next month” - Waukegan News Sun, August 14 2007

“Lawmakers Await Governor’s Decision On Pay Raises” - NBC 5, August 13 2007

“Exiting CTA ‘Doomsday Plan’ Would Be No Easy Job” - WBBM Radio, August 13 2007

“CTA chief uses all-or-nothing funding strategy” - Chicago Tribune, August 11 2007

“CTA Funding Needed By September 16th” - WBBM Radio, August 11 2007

“Boost funding to stabilize mass transit” - Daily Herald Editorial, August 10 2007

“Lawmakers close in on spending plan; $600 million for schools, $0 for CTA” - Chicago Tribune, August 10, 2007

“Lake Shore Drive bus lanes: Blame Rio?” - Chicago Sun Times, August 10 2007

“If Daley rode CTA, service might improve” - Chicago Sun Times Editorial, August 9 2007

“Higher fares, fewer buses” - Chicago Sun Times, August 9 2007

“Pace to sever link between city, suburbs” - Daily Southtown, August 9 2007

“CTA softens impact of cutbacks; expected savings deflect drastic plans” - Chicago Tribune, August 8 2007

“State budget cuts could force reductions in Pace bus routes” - GateHouse News Service, August 8 2007

“CTA board OKs fare hike” - Chicago Sun Times, August 8 2007

“Sun urges local legislators to support RTA funding bill” - Naperville Sun, August 6 2007

“We pay for gov’s poor leadership” - Chicago Sun Times, August 5 2007

“‘Take it or leave it’ plan will force shutdown: gov” - Chicago Sun Times, August 2 2007

“Pace board will cut routes, raise fares” - Chicago Tribune, August 2 2007

“Pace approves plan to raise fares, cut routes“- ABC7, August 1 2007

“Pace cuts, fare hikes could be first of many” - Daily Southtown, August 1 2007

“RTA keeps state focus on funding woes” - Kane County Chronicle, August 1 2007

“Oakton station nearly certain” - Chicago Tribune, August 1 2007

“Chicago-Area Mass Transit Bill To Go Before Illinois House Committee” - WBBM780, July 30 2007

“Transit bill backer undaunted” - Chicago Tribune, July 30 2007

“Progress Made Towards RTA Funding Bill” - WBBM780, July 28 2007

“Capital needs, transit still priorities” - Daily Herald, July 27 2007

“A decent transit deal” - Chicago Tribune, July 27 2007

“Lawmakers close to transit deal” - ABC7, July 26 2007

“State funding could help Kane roads” - The Courier News, July 26 2007

“Kane officials praise transit plan” - Daily Herald, July 26 2007

“Lawmakers tout sales tax to aid RTA” - Daily Herald, July 26 2007

“Handicapped protest planned Pace cutbacks” - Medill Report, July 25 2007

“Mass transit dollars pushed in Springfield” - Chicago Tribune, July 25 2007

“Fueling CTA The taxman cometh. . . ” - Chicago Tribune, July 25 2007

“Pace riders speak out against cuts, fare hikes” - Daily Herald, July 25 2007

“Pace announces likely cuts to local bus service” - Forest Park Review, July 24 2007

“Kane County panel backs plans to add trains” - Daily Herald, July 24 2007

“Riders: We dread PACE cuts” - Kane County Chronicle, July 20 2007

“Seniors, disabled protest proposed Pace service cuts” - Daily Herald, July 20 2007

“Layoffs On Horizon For CTA Personnel” - Southwest News Herald, July 19 2007

“PACE Gets Earful From Riders On Possible Cuts” - WBBM780, July 18 2007

“Chicago Proposes 401(k) Accounts for Transit Workers” - Heartland Institute, July 18 2007

“Village to host forum to discuss proposed transit service” - Lombard Spectator, July 17 2007

“VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: CTA leadership” - Chicago Tribune, July 17 2007

“VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: Fix RTA” - Chicago Tribune, July 17 2007

“Looming service cuts have Pace riders worried” - Chicago Tribune, July 15 2007

“CTA faces service cuts, fare hikes, layoffs” - Munster Times, July 14 2007

“Why some suburban lawmakers oppose RTA plan” - Daily Herald, July 13 2007

“Getting residents on board” - Northwest Herald, July 13 2007

“CTA Sends Layoff Notices; Puts Off Vote On Fare Hikes, Service Cuts” - WBBM780, July 12 2007

“More trains so close, yet so far” - Daily Herald, July 12 2007

“CTA vows to start repairs on troubled Blue, Red lines” - Daily Herald, July 12 2007

“CTA to speed up slow zone work” - Chicago Sune Times, July 12 2007

“Blue Line repairs on fast track” - Chicago Tribune, July 12 2007

“Metra upgrade in works” - Kane County Chronicle, July 12 2007

“CTA warns 1,094 about job cuts” - Chicago Tribune, July 12 2007

“CTA to reduce ’slow zones’ on Blue, Red lines” - Crain’s Chicago Business, July 11 2007

“A mess of an L” - Chicago Sun Times, July 11 2007

“CTA to tackle ‘slow zones’ and rider complaints” - Chicago Tribune, July 11 2007

“CTA Considers Hikes, Cuts” - WBBM780, July 11 2007

“Timing is right’ for Metra” - Northwest Herald, July 11 2007

“CTA hopes bus cameras can curb crashes” - Chicago Tribune, July 11 2007

“CTA Vows To ‘Do Better’, In The Wake Of 2 Incidents Of Stranded Riders” - WBBM780, July 10 2007

“Villages seeking growth face dilemma” - Daily Southtown, July 10 2007

“Metra Plans Increase In Service To Western Suburbs” - NBC5, July 9 2007

“Equitable service is Pace chief’s goal” - The Herald News, July 9 2007

“Congestion’s price” - Kankakee Daily Journal, July 9 2007

“Chicago can’t compete without good trains” - Chicago Sun Times, July 9 2007

“VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: CTA fan” - Chicago Tribune, July 9 2007

“Fading service?” - The Herald News, July 9 2007

“No More Revamping South Suburban Pace Bus Service” - CBS2, July 7 2007

“VOCIE OF THE PEOPLE: Failing transit” - Chicago Tribune, July 6 2007

“New Lenox Metra station development plan sprawls into ‘a city within city’” - Daily Southtown, July 6 2007

“Daley Looking Into CTA ‘L’ Delays” - WBBM780, July 5 2007

“City and CTA OK Agreement” - Southwest News Herald, July 5 2007

“VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: Raise CTA fees” - Chicago Tribune, July 5 2007

“‘City within city’ eyed near tracks” - The Herald News, July 5 2007

“No way home: Remembering rail line’s abandonment” - Kane County Chronicle, July 3 2007

“Group Deems Blagojevich’s Stance On Mass Transit Half-Baked” - WBBM780, July 2 2007

“Sick Transit” - NewCity Chicago, July 2 2007

“At last, rehab work will arrive at Grand” - Chicago Tribune, July 2 2007

“A steamy affair” - Chicago Sun Times, July 2 2007

“Inching toward a transit deal” - Chicago Tribune, July 2 2007

“Time for Legislature to step up” - Chicago Sun Times, July 1 2007

“Shuttle bug program in jeopardy” - Pioneer Local, July 1 2007

“Gov, mayor must find reliable funding for CTA” - Chicago Sun Times, June 29 2007

“CTA, Pace asked to cut fares for soldiers” - Chicago Sun Times, June 29 2007

“RTA lines up cuts, fare hikes” - Daily Herald, June 29 2007

“RTA steps closer to service cuts” - Chicago Tribune, June 29 2007

“RTA puts drop-dead date on service cuts and fare increases” - Medill Report, June 28 2007

“New Pace building gets early nod” - Daily Herald, June 28 2007

“Chicago Transit Authority, Union Reach Tentative 5-Year Deal” - WBBM780, June 28 2007

“CTA-Labor Deal Called ‘Historic’” - WBBM780, June 28 2007

“Metra board pick mired in politics” - Daily Southtown, June 28 2007

“Region would suffer under planned Metra political move” - Daily Southtown, June 27 2007

“Naperville working to fill buses” - Chicago Tribune, June 28 2007

“‘Bounty’ remark stalls politician’s bid for Metra board” - Chicago Tribune, June 28 2007

“5-year CTA contract comes with a big ‘if”” - Chicago Tribune, June 27 2007

“Labor deal may help CTA get rescue from Springfield” - Crain’s Chicago Business, June 27 2007

“CTA Reaches Agreement With 21 Unions” - WBBM780, June 27 2007

“Shakeup coming on Metra board?” - Chicago Sun Times, June 27 2007

“Pace Riders Fuming About Proposed Cuts” - WBBM780, June 26 2007

“Lawmakers warn of impending transit needs” - Chicago Daily Herald, June 26 2007

“VOICE OF THE PEOPLE” - Chicago Tribune, June 262007

“VOICE OF THE PEOPLE” - Chicago Tribune, June 25 2007

“Cutting cost of hybrids: IIT design could save CTA millions” - Chicago Tribune, June 25 2007

“RTA May Not Avoid Fare Hikes, Service Cuts” - WBBM780, June 22 2007

“Gov, leaders move to keep state government running” - Chicago Sun Times, June 22 2007

“Budget progress is limited” - Chicago Tribune, June 22 2007

“Emergency cuts date set by Pace” - The Courier News, June 20 2007

“Don’t give so much to Chicago public transit” - Bloomington Pantagraph, June 19 2007

“Funding for RTA? Yes, with firm conditions” - Daily Herald, June 19 2007

“Transit issues” - Chicago Tribune, June 19 2007

“VOICE OF THE PEOPLE” - Chicago Tribune, June 19 2007

“Metra faces fiscal troubles” - Northwest Herald, June 18 2007

“Transit Agencies Still Holding Their Breath On Funding” - WBBM780, June 18 2007

“Keeping up the Pace?” - Chicago Sun Times, June 18 2007

“A reality check for commuters: Will politics allow for doomsday cuts?” - Chicago Tribune, June 18 2007

“Fight Expected If Gov. Vetoes Regional Sales Tax Increase” - WBBM780, June 17 2007

“A congestion fee? Transit funding is better choice” - Daily Southtown, June 17 2007

“Transit may up fares” - Daily Southtown, June 16 2007

“Pace’s letter to lawmakers” - Daily Herald, June 16 2007

“CTA funding is a priority for working families” - Chicago Sun Times, June 16 2007

“Without aid, Metra, Pace plan cuts, fare hikes” - Chicago Sun Times, June 16 2007

“Metra, Pace prepare for cuts” - Chicago Tribune, June 16 2007

“Metra threatens cuts without new money” - Kane County Chronicle, June 15 2007

“Pace Threatens Service Cuts If No New Funding” - WBBM780, June 15 2007

“Metra Threatens Fare Hikes If Funding Issues Not Resolved” - WBBM780, June 15 2007

“Metra would cut service in ‘08 without new money: exec” - Crain’s Chicago Business, June 15 2007

“New regional taxes needed for transit” - Daily Southtown, June 15 2007

“More money for Chicago mass transit?” - Bloomington Pantagraph, June 14 2007

“Drivers Want to Run Congestion Fee off the Road” - CBS2, June 14 2007

“Chicago alderman wants drivers to pay to go downtown” - Daily Southtown, June 14 2007

“Tax Loop drivers?” - Chicago Sun Times, June 14 2007

“CTA and Blagojevich talk possible funding” - Chicago Tribune, June 14 2007

“Public transit needs reforms, not bailout” - Chicago Sun Times, June 14, 2007

“Doomsday update: CTA board delays vote” - Chicago Sun Times, June 13 2007

“CTA leaders meeting with Blagojevich” - Crain’s Chicago Business, June 13 2007

“CTA Officials Summoned To Springfield To Address Budget Issues” - WBBM780, June 13 2007

“CTA fights heads to Springfield” - Chicago Tribune, June 13 2007

“CTA bailout may threaten suburban transit” - Daily Herald, June 13 2007

“CTA Desperately Seeks Funding From Springfield, Board To Vote On ‘Doomsday’ Plan” - WBBM780, June 12 2007

“Voice of the People -CTA Fares” - Chicagot Tribune, June 12 2007

“Pace can’t please them all in the Southland” - Daily Southtown, June 11 2007

“Change of Subject” - Chicago Tribune, June 10 2007

“Pace officials hear residents’ bus-route wants” - The Herald News, June 9 2007

“Blagojevich Demands Bailout For CTA” - CBS2, June 9 2007

“RTA tax aid is hit with veto threat” - Chicago Tribune, June 8 2007

“Fix the trains and buses” - Chicago Tribune, June 8 2007

“Pace riders face fare hikes, service cuts” - Daily Southtown, June 7 2007

“A.M. Profile: CTA President’s Chief of Staff” - Crain’s Chicago Business, June 6 2007

“Paying for transit” - Chicago Tribune, June 6 2007

“RTA funding plea finds rocky going in DuPage” - Daily Herald, June 6 2007

“Possible CTA cuts met with dismay: South Side residents say prices, routes would hit them hard” - Chicago Tribune, June 6 2007

“CTA riders have new target in sight” - Chicago RedEye, June 5 2007

“Optimism At RTA” - WGN Radio, June 5 2007

“CTA seeking feedback on fare hikes, route cuts” - Chicago Tribune, June 5 2007

“Transit leaders sound alarm in funding bid” - Daily Herald, June 4 2007

“From coaches to ‘L’ rail cars” - Chicago Tribune, June 4 2007

“RTA pushes tax hike” - Northwest Herald, June 1 2007

“Transit Funding Remains A Work In Progress” - WBBM Radio, June 1 2007

“Pace riders push for more agency funding” - Elgin Courier News, June 1 2007

“11th hour for Pace budget talks” - Kane County Chronicle, June 1 2007

“Lyons: Make Chicagoans pay to fix Route 47” - Northwest Herald, June 1 2007

“Daley warns of CTA cuts” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 31 2007

“Not Looking Good For State Transit Funding” - WBBM Radio, May 31 2007

“Make right moves on mass transit” - Daily Herald, May 31 2007

“Skokie Swift to gain a stop in Evanston?” - Chicago Tribune, May 31 2007

“RTA pushes last-minute tax hike” - Kane County Chronicle, May 31 2007

“House OKs budget plan” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 31 2007

“No tax increase for the CTA” - Northwest Herald Editorial, May 31 2007

“Pace Exempt From Illinois Tolls” - WBBM Radio, May 30 2007

“Metropolis 2020 urges more state money for transit” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 30 2007

“Daley urges gov to rethink priorities” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 30 2007

“Transit Advocates’ Nerves Get Tested As Budget Deadline Nears” - WBBM Radio, May 30 2007

“$452 million? Not so fast” - Chicago Tribune Editorial, May 30 2007

“Why suburban residents could be bailing out CTA” - Daily Herald, May 30 2007

“CTA Claims Doomsday Plan Is No Scare Tactic” - WBBM Radio, May 30 2007

“CTA considered $7 a ride for rush-hour commuters” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 30 2007

“CTA plea for aid comes amid last-minute Capitol rush” - Chicago Tribune, May 30 2007

“CTA chief describes options he didn’t choose” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 29 2007

“Rough road ahead for bus, train service” - Aurora Beacon-News, May 29 2007

“RTA proposes tax hikes to avert deep CTA cuts” - Chicago Tribune, May 25 2007

“CTA threatens to raise fares” - Daily Southtown, May 25 2007

“Transit service cuts are looming” - Elgin Courier News, May 25 2007

“Budget huddle doesn’t clear air; Transit agencies send funding alert” - Chicago Tribune, May 25 2007

“Evanston Residents Want Easier Access To CTA Yellow Line” - The Daily Northwestern, May 25 2007

“CTA is doing its part: Legislature must, too” - Chicago Sun-Times Editorial, May 24 2007

“CTA President warns of fare hikes” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 24 2007

“RTA presents mult-million dollar funding plan to continue services” - ABC 7 News, May 24 2007

“CTA lays out el, bus cuts; moves to hike fares” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 24 2007

“Possible CTA Fare Hikes, Service Cuts” - WBBM Radio, May 24 2007

“Huntley makes case for mass transit” - Northwest Herald, May 24 2007

“Transit’s time has arrived in region” - Northwest Indiana Times, May 24 2007

“Local leaders decry CTA proposals” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 24 2007

“RTA Unveils Chicago Mass -Transit Funding Plan” - WBBM Radio, May 24 2007

“The CTA’s self-help strategy” - Chicago Tribune Editorial, May 23 2007

“RTA fare card among victims of budget ax” - Chicago Tribune, May 23 2007

“RTA warns of more cuts — again” - Daily Southtown, May 23 2007

“RTA to defer $7.5 million in spending” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 22 2007

“CTA’s operating deficit exceeds projection in 1st quarter” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 22 2007

“CTA seeks to decrease workers’ benefits” - Chicago Tribune, May 22 2007

“Don’t let red ink drown our transit system” - Chicago Sun-Times Letter to the Editor, May 22 2007

“No ‘L hell,’ few Ryan tangles: Commuters win — for now” - Chicago Sun-Times Editorial, May 22 2007

“‘3-track nightmare’ really no big deal” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 21 2007

“CTA adding 400 low-emission buses to fleet” - Daily Southtown, May 18 2007

“More dire CTA forecasts” - Chicago Tribune, May 18 2007

“CTA chief: Fares up, service down if no bailout” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 18 2007

“Daley takes agenda to Springfield” - Chicago Tribune, May 17 2007

“CTA chief warns of fare hikes, service cuts” - Chicago Tribune, May 17 2007

“CTA’s Surprise: Ridership Up” - WBEZ Radio, May 17 2007

“New CTA Buses Purchased” - WBBM Radio, May 17 2007

“CTA: No Money From Springfield = Service Cuts, Fare Hikes” - WBBM Radio, May 17 2007

“Options narrowed for rail to Rockford” - Chicago Tribune, May 17 2007

“Daley Lobbies For More Funding For Schools, CTA” - CBS2 Chicago, May 16 2007

“Stop holding transit hostage in Springfield” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 16 2007

“Daley urges gov, law makers to compromise on funding” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 16 2007

“State eyes train route to Rockford” - Chicago Tribune, May 16 2007

“Riding transit to more money and better schools” - Daily Southtown Letter to the Editor, May 14 2007

“CTA Chief Warns of Service Cuts” - WBEZ Radio, May 14 2007

“Pace To Move On Plan Overhauling City Paratransit Service” - WBBM Radio, May 14 2007

“Toilets on transit gaining popularity” - Chicago Tribune May 14 2007

“Lots of trouble” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 14, 2007

“Counties join Pace in push for increased state funding” - Aurora Beacon News, May 13 2007

“Metra posts highest 1Q ridership ever” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 11 2007

“Metra Can Avoid Fare Hikes, But Only Temporarily” - WBBM Radio, May 11 2007

“CTA announces administrative cuts, but more may be needed” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 11 2007

“CTA chief clips 49 jobs for now” - Chicago Tribune, May 11 2007

“Don’t let paratransit system hit the brakes” - Chicago Sun-Times Letter to the Editor, May 11 2007

“Gov. Makes Transportation, Infrastructure Priorities In Tax Plan Funding List” - WBBM Radio, May 10 2007

“New CTA president details $12.5 million in cuts” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 10 2007

“Counties back Pace on funding” - Elgin Courier News, May 10 2007

“CTA cited in report on U.S. transportation infrastructure” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 9 2007

“Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)” - Chicago Defender, May 9 2007

“RTA Considers Fare Discounts For Military” - WBBM Radio, May 8 2007

“Advocates: Governor Is Holding Transit Hostage” - Chicago Public Radio, May 8 2007

“Business sends SOS to state about RTA” - Chicago Tribune, May 8 2007

“More state transit money would take ‘crisis,’ 2 experts say” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 8 2007

“Rider surveys on Pace buses” - Lake County News Sun, May 8 2007

“RTA urges state action to stem budget shortfall” - Northwest Indiana Times, May 5 2007

“Transit costs to rise for summer” - Joliet Herald News, May 5 2007

“Transit official: ‘Moment of crisis’” - Chicago Tribune, May 4 2007

“RTA: System ‘doomsday’ looms July 1” - Chicago Sun-Times, May 4 2007

“Metra, CTA and Pace: Start preparing for the worst” - Daily Southtown, May 4 2007

“‘All options on the table’ if no state transit bailout” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 3 2007

“Breaking the doomsday cycle” - Chicago Tribune Editorial, May 3 2007

“Underfunded transit near end of the line” - Chicago Sun-Times Editorial, May 3 2007

“U.S. sends $36 million for Brown Line project” - Chicago Tribune, May 3 2007

“Pace eyes service across border” - Lake County News Sun, May 3 2007

“Huberman: CTA Performance, Funding Are Top Issues” - WBBM 780, May 2 2007

“New boss vows lean CTA” - Chicago Tribune, May 2 2007

“Huberman hops aboard CTA” - Chicago Sun-Times May 2 2007

“New CTA president says customers ‘my top priority‘” - Crain’s Chicago Business, May 2 2007

“More state funds for Pace paratransit program needed” - Daily Southtown Editorial, April 30 2007

“City to accommodate ‘reverse’ commuters” - Joliet Herald News, April 30 2007

“Suburban Transit Officials Address Funding Crisis” - WBBM Radio, April 29 2007

“City slickers” - Daily Southtown, April 28, 2007

“Pace’s vanpool program keeps rolling along” - Elgin Courier News, April 28, 2007

“New depot spurs big dreams: Orland Park plans a new downtown” - Chicago Tribune, April 27 2007

“Pace eyes big cuts in service” - The Courier News, April 27 2007

“New Orland Park Metra station has all the bells and whistles” - Chicago Daily Southtown, April 27 2007

“New system holds hope for transit riders” - Chicago Sun-Times Editorial, April 26 2007

“Even if not on time, it’ll be online” - Chicago Tribune, April 24 2007

“CTA expands tracking program to all routes” - Chicago Sun-Times, April 24 2007

“CTA to expand bus-GPS system” - Chicago Tribune, April 24 2007

“New CTA chief helps, but it’ll be uphill climb” - Chicago Sun-Times Editorial, April 23 2007

“Rights & wrongs” - Chicago Sun-Times, April 23 2007

“Throwing Kruesi from the train” - Chicago Tribune Editorial, April 20 2007

“A shift in tone for CTA’s helm” - Chicago Tribune, April 20 2007

“New leader’s track record: cleaning up government” - Chicago Sun-Times, April 20 2007

“End of the line for CTA boss” - Chicago Sun-Times, April 20 2007

“CTA chief Kruesi steps down” - Chicago Tribune, April 20 2007

“CTA chief Kruesi steps down” - Crain’s Chicago, April 20 2007

“President of Troubled Chicago Transit System Resigns” - New York Times, April 20 2007

“Transit chiefs put focus on funds” - Chicago Tribune, April 17 2007

“Brown Line planning Web site opens” - Chicago Tribune, April 17 2007

“What’s the holdup on the Red Line extension?” - Chicago RedEye, April 17 2007

“All-transit fare card is on way” - Chicago Tribune, April 15 2007

“CTA commuters switching gears during rail reductions” - Chicago Tribune, April 13 2007

“Red Line extension gets push CTA targets 3 of 9 options in growth plan” - Chicago Tribune, April 11 2007

“Red Line extension routes recommended” - Chicago Tribune, April 10 2007

“Tired of ridin’ dirty? Clean up your act” - Chicago RedEye, April 10 2007

“7% cap, tax reform” - Chicago Sun-Times, April 9 2007

“Teaming up for commuters” - Daily Herald, April 8 2007

“Enduring CTA headaches” - Chicago Tribune, April 8 2007

“Budget shortfall looms for Chicago-area transit” - Northwest Indiana Times April 8 2007

“It’s past time to get transit funding rolling” - Chicago Sun-Times Editorial, April 6 2007

“Daley: CTA’s plight not on state’s ‘radar screen‘” – Chicago Sun-Times, April 5 2007

“Region’s transit bosses prepare Plan B” - ABC 7 April 5 2007

“Stay on Track” - New York Times Op-Ed, April 4 2007

“Nightmare starts for commuters” - Chicago Tribune, April 2 2007

“Gridlock on the Lake” - The Economist, March 31 2007

“A Rail System (and Patience) Stretched Thin in Chicago” - New York Times, March 26 2007

How to make your voice heard and avert a transit crisis:

If the CTA, Metra and Pace are to avoid potential service cuts and fare hikes, state legislators and the Governor must make transit a priority this legislative session. The most important action you can take is to tell your representatives in Springfield that you support reforming the RTA and finding a funding solution.

1. Find your representatives
2. Write a letter
3. Sign up for the Transit Future Listserv
4. Too busy?

1. Find your representatives
To find both your State Representative and your State Senator, go to the Illinois Board of Election website.

Once you have determined who your representatives are, download a map of the area and learn the average household transportation cost for your district here.

Governor Rod Blagojevich can be reached at:
Mail:

Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706

Phone: (217) 782-0244 or (312) 814-2121

Email: http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovernor.cfm

2. Write a letter

For a letter to be effective, it must be informative, personal, and unique. Below you will find some information to add to your letter, including some suggestions on points to emphasize. Most importantly, your legislators must understand that transit is a vital part of your community and that you are willing to invest in its future!

How does transit affect you on a daily basis:

• How long does it take you to get to work and home and what form of transit do you use?
• How many times a week are you on the CTA, Metra, Pace, or Paratransit?
• Which trains and buses do you ride regularly and when?
• Where do you live and why did you choose to live there? Did you choose your home or apartment due to its proximity to transit?

Need for operations funding:

• Transit service in my area has not kept up with increasing demand. Trains and buses do not come as frequently and reliably as they should.
• Funding has been cut to keep buses and trains clean, which reflects poorly on the system and the region.
• With the CTA, Metra and Pace currently on six-month budgets that expires on June 30, I want to know how I am going to get to work/school/home on July 1st.

Need for capital funding:

• Mass transit in my area has not grown to accommodate the needs of my community. We need to expand the system to include more bus and train lines.
• Many of the train cars and buses used in the system are old and in need of replacement.
• Transit in Northeastern Illinois has defined this region and made it as economically competitive as it is today. We must reinvest in the system in order to maintain our competitiveness and attract future investment in our region.

3. Sign up for the Transit Future Listserv

To sign up for the listserv, send an email to transitfuture-subscribe@cnt.org. Transit Future sends regular emails highlighting recent news, upcoming meetings and events, and how you can help improve transit in Northeastern Illinois.

4. Too busy?

While we strongly encourage you to write personal letters to your representatives, the following website offers the opportunity to send messages via the internet.

http://www.savechicagolandtransit.com/actnow.asp