Stranded in Illinois: Leaders Call for a Public Transit “Rainy-Day Fund”

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

In a press conference last Thursday, CNT hosted a panel of experts who each discussed effects of the downturn on public transit in Illinois and put forward ways to stop the crisis it is rapidly creating. The conference was called in the wake of a report released by Transportation for America, “Stranded at the Station”, which profiles the paradox of agencies having to raise transit fares and cut services while demand for transit increases.

The press conference focused on how Illinois, in particular, is faring in this climate. Co-chair of Gamaliel Metro Chicago David Bigsby, Access Living’s Program Director Rahnee Patrick, Vice President of the Metropolitan Planning Council Peter Skosey, and Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District Managing Director Bill Volk each adding to the portrait of public transit in Illinois, who the cuts hurt and how it can adjust to weather the storm.

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TransitFuture is Back!

Monday, May 18th, 2009

In response to recent developments in local transportation politics, CNT is reviving the TransitFuture coalition. Created in March 2007 to rally local support to avert the ‘Doomsday’ de-funding of public transportation in Northeastern Illinois, the TransitFuture’s organizing efforts paid off, and the crisis was averted. With the current funding crunch, that victory has revealed itself to be temporary, and the TransitFuture coalition is back in action to organize against the latest batch of harmful budget threats. Stay tuned to our website and listserv to learn how you can help stop Illinois’ budget crisis from doing irreparable damage to the public transportation system.

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