Mass transit and health outcomes discussed during Illinois Senate hearing

(The Center Square) – In a series of hearings on Illinois mass transit, public health outcomes and streamlining services were in the spotlight Wednesday in Elgin.

The Senate Transportation Committee is holding hearings around the state to focus on several aspects of mass transit.

“The goal of these committee hearings is really to discuss and hone in on the importance of public transit to every fabric of our life,” said state Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago.

Several people testified on the importance of mass transit and the effects on public health outcomes. Tracy McFadden, vice president of the Fox Valley Electric Automobile Association, said Illinois should invest in electric buses because studies show that diesel buses are killing people.

“Shows that exhaust from diesel engines will lead to more than 5,000 asthma attacks, nearly 200 heart attacks, and 416 premature deaths across our state,” said McFadden.

The topic of regionalizing mass transit was addressed, but state Sen. Seth Lewis, R-Bartlett, said it won’t work unless everyone at the table has an equal say.

“I think when you have representing the suburbs, which has an equal population combined compared to Cook County and Chicago, I think it’s very important to, what you call tribalism, some may call it consolidation of power and being taken advantage of in the suburbs,” said Lewis.

At a previous meeting, the leaders of the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace all pushed back on a proposal to merge into one entity.

Two more hearings remain, including one next month in Springfield that will focus on funding mass transit. The fact that the Regional Transportation Authority is facing a $730 million fiscal cliff in two years when COVID relief funds run out will likely come up for discussion.