Illinois lawmakers pass $1.5 billion funding package to dodge public transit from cuts – The Daily Northwestern

Report on Illinois Public Transit Funding Bill (SB 2111) and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Legislative Action to Secure Sustainable Public Transit

Illinois state lawmakers have approved Senate Bill 2111, a legislative package allocating $1.5 billion to secure the future of public transportation in the northern Illinois region. This critical funding averts a projected fiscal crisis for the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and aligns state policy with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Financial Framework and Funding Allocation

Addressing the Fiscal Deficit

The RTA faced a projected budget deficit exceeding $200 million for the 2026 fiscal year. Without legislative intervention, this shortfall would have necessitated severe austerity measures, including a potential 25% reduction in services and significant layoffs. The passage of SB 2111 provides the financial stability required to maintain and improve this essential public infrastructure.

Sources of the $1.5 Billion Funding Package

The funding is derived from a combination of reallocated and new revenue streams, avoiding previously proposed taxes on delivery and streaming services. The sources include:

1. $860 million redirected from the state’s sales tax revenue on motor fuel.
2. $478 million generated from an expected increase in the RTA sales tax in the Chicago metropolitan area counties.
3. $200 million from accumulated interest within the state’s Road Fund.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The funding package directly supports the targets of SDG 11 by ensuring the provision of safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems.

• Target 11.2 (Affordable and Sustainable Transport Systems): The bill prevents the elimination of up to 39 bus routes, one Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train line, and numerous off-peak services. This action preserves transportation access for millions of residents, which is fundamental to creating inclusive and sustainable urban environments.
• Sustainable Urban Planning: The bill incorporates the People Over Parking Act, which eliminates parking minimums for new developments near transit hubs. This policy promotes transit-oriented development, reduces dependency on private automobiles, and encourages the creation of more walkable, sustainable communities.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth & SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

By stabilizing the transit system, the legislation contributes to economic stability and social equity.

• Target 8.5 (Full and Productive Employment): The funding averts mass layoffs within the transit agencies, protecting the livelihoods of thousands of frontline workers and contributing to decent work for all.
• Target 10.2 (Promote Universal Social and Economic Inclusion): Reliable public transit is a critical lifeline for low-income communities, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Maintaining service ensures these populations have equitable access to employment, healthcare, and educational opportunities, thereby reducing inequality.

SDG 13: Climate Action & SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The investment reinforces public transit as a cornerstone of the state’s climate and infrastructure strategy.

• Target 13.2 (Integrate Climate Change Measures): By strengthening and encouraging the use of public transportation, the bill supports a modal shift away from carbon-intensive private vehicles, directly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Target 9.1 (Develop Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure): This funding represents a significant investment in resilient public infrastructure, enhancing regional mobility and supporting long-term sustainable development.

Governance and Operational Reforms

Establishment of a New Transit Authority

The bill mandates the creation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. This new entity will serve as the parent organization for the CTA, Pace Suburban Bus, and Metra, aiming to improve governance, coordination, and efficiency across the region’s transit network in pursuit of sustainability objectives.

Revised Operational Funding Model

A notable operational reform is the adjustment of the farebox recovery ratio. Rider fares will now be required to cover 25% of annual operating costs, a significant reduction from the pre-pandemic requirement of 50%. This policy shift acknowledges public transit as an essential public service vital for achieving broader economic, social, and environmental goals, rather than a system reliant solely on user fees.

Conclusion and Implementation

Senate Bill 2111 is a landmark investment in the sustainability and resilience of the Illinois public transportation system. By providing stable funding and enacting progressive reforms, the legislation ensures the continued operation of vital services while advancing the state’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. The bill is scheduled to go into effect on June 1.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The article highlights that the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) was facing a budget gap that “threatened service cuts and mass layoffs within the agency.” The new funding package directly prevents these job losses, thus contributing to stable employment for the “thousands of frontline workers who keep our region moving.”

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • The core of the article is about securing “$1.5 billion in funding for Illinois public transportation.” This investment is crucial for maintaining and developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure (the CTA, Metra, and Pace systems), which is essential for economic activity and public well-being in the region.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The article directly addresses the goal of providing access to sustainable transport systems. The funding prevents a “25% cut in service,” ensuring that “up to 39 bus routes, one CTA line, and many mid-day, late-night and overnight routes will not need to be eliminated.” This maintains public transit access for millions of residents. Furthermore, the inclusion of the “People Over Parking Act” promotes transit-oriented development by removing parking minimums near transit hubs, making cities more sustainable and less car-dependent.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • While not explicitly mentioned, supporting public transportation is a key strategy for climate action. By ensuring the viability of public transit and discouraging car use through measures like the “People Over Parking Act,” the policies discussed in the article contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. This represents an integration of climate change measures into local and state-level planning.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.

   • The article connects to this target by detailing how the funding package averts “mass layoffs” at the RTA. The RTA’s statement praises the bill for protecting the “thousands of frontline workers who keep our region moving,” directly addressing the preservation of jobs.

2. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

   • The allocation of “$1.5 billion in funding” is a direct action to develop and sustain the public transportation infrastructure of northern Illinois. The bill aims to provide “stable funding” to ensure the reliability of the CTA, Metra, and Pace services for the public.

3. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all… notably by expanding public transport.

   • This target is central to the article. The funding directly prevents the elimination of numerous bus and train routes, thereby maintaining access to public transport for “the millions who ride CTA, Metra, and Pace.” The article specifies that the funding saves the RTA from a “25% cut in service,” which would have severely limited accessibility.

4. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   • The “People Over Parking Act,” included in the funding bill, is a specific policy measure that integrates climate-friendly urban planning. By preventing “local governments from enforcing parking space minimums for new developments” near public transit, the policy discourages reliance on private vehicles and promotes a more sustainable, lower-emission mode of transport.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicators for Target 8.5

   • The article implies an indicator related to job security. The prevention of “mass layoffs” can be seen as a measure of maintaining the number of people employed in the public transport sector.

2. Indicators for Target 9.1

   • A direct indicator mentioned is the financial investment in infrastructure: the “$1.5 billion in funding” allocated to public transportation. Another implied indicator is the passenger volume, referenced by the new financial model where “25% of the RTA’s annual operating costs will be paid for by rider fares.”

3. Indicators for Target 11.2

   • The article provides a clear, though qualitative, indicator of public transit coverage and service levels. The progress is measured by the non-elimination of “up to 39 bus routes, one CTA line, and many mid-day, late-night and overnight routes.” The continued operation of these services is a direct measure of access.

4. Indicators for Target 13.2

   • The indicator here is the existence of a specific policy. The successful passage of the “People Over Parking Act” as part of Senate Bill 2111 serves as a concrete indicator that climate-conscious measures are being integrated into regional planning and legislation.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dailynorthwestern.com