Public Transit Chairwoman Chaplin Responds to Illinois Public Transit Task Force Final Report

For Immediate Release: 

On August 15, 2013, Governor Pat Quinn issued an Executive Order creating the Northeastern Illinois Public Transit Task Force to address serious concerns regarding the current structure of the Chicagoland public transit system.

With much anticipation the Public Transit Task Force released its final report to the governor on March 31^st 2014.  

The findings of the report stress the importance of eliminating the RTA and forming a new agency that will allow for a regional approach to planning, funding and evaluation of projects.

The report acknowledges the transit system’s flawed funding structure which is currently unable to meet present and future needs, along with a section devoted to ethics and the need to earn back the public trust. 

“We must ensure the highest ethical standards for taxpayers. We can achieve this by working together as regional partners ensuring that the system operates in a transparent manner.” stated DuPage County Public Transit Chairwoman Liz Chaplin.  

The report also recognizes the importance of safety and a safety-conscious workforce. Chairwoman Chaplin, who has worked closely with the DuPage Railroad Safety Committee, agrees with the report’s safety recommendations. 

“Our public transit system can succeed if we act upon the recommendations in the report.  Hopefully, enough leaders will have the political courage to make the tough decisions and put forth the necessary legislation to bring these changes to fruition.”