District Engagement: May

District activities focused on transportation, its challenges and its future. Included was a valuable presentation by Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) as well as discussions with Amtrak and the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). We hosted satellite office hours at Clarendon Hills Public Library and had great discussions on key issues. Also, our office collected donations for People’s Resource Center and SCARCE.

Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART)

The first program in our Speaker Series was a success! We welcomed district residents for a presentation on the Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART), led by Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). The PART initiative emphasizes that without significant investment, the region risks severe service cuts, decreased ridership, and further financial instability.

PART addresses the funding shortfall facing our region’s transit system by 2026. Outlined are the following three key areas:​

• The system we envision: Focused on increasing ridership and enhancing user experiences to create a seamless and affordable transit system.​

• Investments to close the gap: Proposed reforms and funding options to close the operating budget shortfall and support the development of the desired transit system.​

• Implementation: Emphasis on reform before funding with two options to improve the efficiency of the transit system.​

Thank you to all who attended and to CMAP for the informative presentation!

Amtrak Tour, RTA Workshop, and Innovative Rail Technologies (IRT) Visit

I had the opportunity to learn about Amtrak’s Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP), including critical investments in rail infrastructure and facilities at Amtrak's Union Station in Chicago, the nation’s third busiest passenger rail station. CHIP’s goals include enhancing regional connectivity, improving safety and reducing travel times.  

RTA’s Transforming Transit Workshop was a forum to learn more about the vision for an improved and renovated regional transportation system if the funding sought is secured.

A visit to Innovative Rail Technologies (IRT) in Minooka provided the opportunity to learn about their partnership with Motive Power Resources to manufacture all-electric locomotives. By working together, they are delivering operational flexibility with efficient engines, tailored to meet the needs of public transit and private industries.