Mass transit systems waiting since January for promised state funding will finally get their cash.
As part of a state bailout of the financially ailing Chicago Transit Authority, nearly 40 other transit systems across Illinois were in line to get more funding, too. Director of the Illinois Public Transportation Association Linda Podeschi says it was a monumental deal for rural transit agencies. They also got permission to extend routes, which means they can serve more customers.
However, the agencies haven’t received the promised funds. Podeschi says as a result, many rural systems had to borrow money to keep operating. She says rising gas prices have exacerbated the problem, as has implementing another part of the deal: giving all senior citizens free rides. She says a new state law will be a great help. It will get downstate transit and northeastern Illinois’ Regional Transportation Authority millions.