CMAP Board calls for a long-term transit solution, not a "Band-Aid" fix
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning leaders express frustration with
the lack of positive action in Springfield
CHICAGO, November 29, 2007 -- In a strongly worded statement, leaders of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) today called the on-going stalemate over mass transit funding "totally unacceptable and extremely harmful to our region, both in the short- and long-term." In addition to immediate hardships for riders affected by looming service cuts, the CMAP Board said the transit system's uncertain future is placing the region's continued prosperity at risk.
The full CMAP Board statement is at www.cmap.illinois.gov/transit.aspx. The 15-member board has equal representation from the collar counties, suburban Cook, and the City of Chicago. It is responsible for land-use and transportation planning across the seven-county region of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will.
"The CMAP Board does not presume to speak for any side in the on-going Springfield stalemate over how -- or, incomprehensibly, even 'whether' -- to fund a healthy transit system for northeastern Illinois," said Gerald Bennett, CMAP board chairman and mayor of Palos Hills. "But on behalf of our region, we are speaking unanimously in support of a long-term solution, and not some of the Band-Aid approaches that have recently been floated. We believe the best solution was already set forth in Senate Bill 572, as sponsored by Rep. Julie Hamos. The Governor and leaders in the General Assembly need to get serious and realize they're toying with the daily existence of our residents."
Chairman Bennett and fellow board members unanimously called upon the General Assembly to uphold SB 572's principles, such as important accountability provisions and reform for CTA pension and health-care systems. In the near term, legislation is desperately needed to avoid the transit cuts that will leave riders stranded in the dead of winter if a funding package doesn't pass soon. But just as important, say CMAP leaders, the legislature and Governor Blagojevich must also include a stable funding source for the long-term viability of the CTA, Metra and Pace.
"Nothing less than a long-term fix is acceptable," said Randy Blankenhorn, CMAP executive director. "The approach stated in SB 572 has virtually unanimous and bi-partisan support from local and county elected officials. Funding should be predicated on reforms at the transit agencies, and improved transit service should be provided equitably throughout the region. It's a regional solution to what is a critical regional need."
SB 572 calls for a 0.25 percent increase in the sales tax within the RTA's six-county region. Added to existing revenue, it would provide over $400 million in annual operating funds that the RTA would distribute to CTA, Metra and Pace. The new funds would avert service cuts and fare increases that will hit residents across the region in January without a deal in Springfield. SB 572 also includes an additional 0.25 percent sales tax in the collar counties that would provide those counties with over $120 million for local road and transit projects.
“Some members of the General Assembly have suggested that a transit solution has to be tied to a new capital program for Illinois,” said Andre Rice, CMAP Board member representing the City of Chicago. "While the CMAP Board was one of the earliest proponents of a capital program and that continues to be one of the Board’s high priorities, the passage of Senate Bill 572 can and should move forward on its own merits."
The political in-fighting needs to end now, Blankenhorn added, to avoid lasting damage. "Without a transit solution, real harm will come to individual residents," he said. "These are people whose livelihoods depend on affordable public transit and who already spend a high percentage of their income getting to work. If bus and train routes are cut, riders will take to their cars, adding to congestion. For our State and region, it makes absolutely no sense financially or morally."
"Our transit system is the heart of economic prosperity in northeastern Illinois," he said. "It's time for elected officials across the state to do the right thing, and the right thing is to pass Senate Bill 572 now."
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Press Contact: Tom Garritano (312-386-8609 or info@cmap.illinois.gov)