SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – Public transit is becoming a hot topic in Springfield as agencies across Illinois feel a financial crunch.

The state Senate Transportation Committee finished a series of hearings Tuesday on public transit in Springfield.

The hearings come as the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which oversees public transit in the Chicago area, faces a potential $730 million fiscal cliff in 2026. Chicagoland, however, is not the only place with transit agencies facing potential money problems.

“We strongly believe that funding public transit is a statewide priority, and making sure that 52 of the 56 public transit agencies that are not in the RTA region have the ability to present their needs,” said state Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, the Transportation Committee’s chair.

Those agencies include the Rock Island Metropolitan Mass Transit District, or Quad Cities MetroLINK.

Illinois Municipal League Legislative Affairs Director John Coultas told lawmakers despite continued growth, the agency’s expenses are projected to exceed revenues.

“Should this happen, dramatic cuts to service or layoffs to personnel are inevitable,” Coultas said.

Coultas said those issues are not unique to Rock Island County. Many transit authorities across Illinois are experiencing potential financial problems.

“Adequately funding public transportation both within the Chicago region and statewide should be a state priority. Public transportation is a crucial component of the transportation network ensuring everyone has an affordable and an efficient transportation option,” said Illinois Economic Policy Institute Transportation Director Mary Tyler.

While there’s debate on how exactly the state should react, one thing seems certain amongst lawmakers, the status quo cannot continue.

“I think this whole revenue component issue has got to be considered in a much bigger box than what any of us may already be looking at within the legislation, but also other proposal that may be discussed,” said state Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles.

Villivalam has filed legislation to combine the RTA and with major local transit agencies in the Chicago area to create Metropolitan Mobility Authority.

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