CHICAGO –  State Senator Ram Villivalam –  a longtime public transit advocate, and chair of the Senate Transportation Committee – will host a number of hearings throughout the coming months to discuss the state of public transit, ranging from how it positively impacts our economic and public health system to the service improvements that need to take place to better serve our communities.

“In order to provide a public transit system that works for our people, we have to collaboratively discuss how it can better serve our communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “These hearings will serve as a place for these conversations to occur, and ensure we are working toward the common goal of providing safe, reliable, accessible, economically impactful, and environmentally conscious transportation for all.”

Villivalam will host the hearings alongside a number of advocates, stakeholders, and other legislators throughout the state.

The hearings will be as follows:

• Tuesday, July 9 at 10 a.m. - Bilandic Building, 160 North La Salle St., Chicago IL, 60601
  • Subject: Transit supports the economy
• Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m. - South Suburbs of Cook County
  • Subject: Transit must be accessible and equitable
• Thursday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. – Counties of DuPage, Will, and Kendall
  • Subject: Transit support community quality of life
• Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. - Kane County and McHenry County
  • Subject: Transit is crucial for public health
• Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. - Northwest Suburbs of Cook County and Lake County
  • Subject: Transit mitigates climate impact
• Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. – Springfield
  • Subject: Funding transit is a statewide priority

Exact locations of most of the hearings are to be determined. Additional hearings or adjustments to the schedule may arise. Villivalam will announce the remaining locations of the hearings and any other relevant information on his website and social media.

To watch the hearings live, people can visit ilga.gov then click on audio/video under the “Senate” section at the time of the event.