Advocates, riders renew calls for public transit reform in Chicagoland region

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Public transportation will be a major focus of the 2025 session for state lawmakers as advocates continue to call for reforms in Chicago and the collar counties. Although, people in every corner of the state rely on public transit for work, school and healthcare.

As a reporter born and raised in Cook County who has lived in central Illinois for the past decade, I have personally seen that public transit services are much more reliable here than in Chicago or the suburbs.

Elgin transit hearing — Advocates told the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee Wednesday that suburban communities need buses running beyond the 9-5 schedule Monday through Friday.

Advocates told the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee Wednesday that suburban communities need buses running beyond the 9-5 schedule Monday through Friday.

"Our transit system does not support the workforce for the end of second shift or beginning of third shift," said Parker Thompson from Elgin Community Bikes. "Every church bus circling the neighborhoods on Sunday morning is another indictment that the transit system fails to serve us as whole human beings with a complete absence of bus service on Sundays."

Lawmakers continue to hear complaints about delayed services, lack of routes and limited coordination between providers. Yet, transportation is even harder for people with disabilities.

"You can't just jump in a car with a friend when you're wheelchair bound," said Kane County resident Ruth Kuzmanic. "So, you got to schedule that bus. That driver does come and get him and get him there, but it's always additional hassles because that app is not user friendly."

While college campuses in central Illinois have free bus services for students, that is not available for college students in Chicago or the suburbs. Many students have turned to rideshare options like Uber and Lyft, as they argue it is more reliable and cheaper than transit.

"On my route to and from campus, I may have seen two bus stops for able-bodied students," said Maya Wade, a student at Elgin Community College. "From my perspective and experience, there's not enough accessibility and transportation for students, especially disenfranchised students."

Senate Transportation Committee members will have a chance to hear from central Illinois transit users during a public hearing in Springfield on October 16.

"From reducing emissions to improving mental and physical health, public transit is a crucial part of the health and well-being of our neighbors," said Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). "It is imperative that we work toward a public transit system that underpins healthy communities."

Illinois House Democrats also created a transportation working group Wednesday. Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch explained members will talk with stakeholders, review transportation proposals and create new solutions for public transit.

"We have a real opportunity to not only improve our public transit system, but transform it into a world-class system our communities can depend on," Welch said. "As we approach some important budget conversations surrounding public transit, we must also discuss how we make it safer, more reliable and accessible, and environmentally conscious."

All 15 members of the House transportation working group represent the Chicagoland area.