CHICAGO - With public transit in the RTA region approaching a budget deficit in 2026, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing on Tuesday regarding the state of public transit and how it supports the local economy.

“Today, we were able to have crucial and robust conversations about the current state of public transit and its relation to our economy,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Many key stakeholders, from the agencies to business and labor groups, were able to share their insights as to how we can maintain and improve service, and what we can do to underpin a vibrant economy.”

As heard from constituents, public transit riders are currently facing issues including delayed service, no routes or limited coordination of services between providers. This presents an issue for many, as they are left without reliable transportation to reach essential places or services such as health care appointments, jobs or education.

During this spring’s legislative session, Villivalam introduced legislation alongside Representative Eva-Dina Delgado that would consolidate the Regional Transit Authority, Chicago Transit Authority, Pace, and Metra into the Metropolitan Mobility Authority.

A series of subject matter hearings are scheduled over the coming months to start and continue conversations on how public transit can continue to serve communities and ensure that everyone will have access to transportation that is affordable, reliable and accessible.

The first hearing covered how transit effects the economy, between ways it is supporting our communities, and visions for the future on how it should change to support the economy of the future. Key stakeholders and agency officials testified at the hearing, including RTA Chairperson Kirk Dillard, CTA President Dorval Carter Jr., Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski, and Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.

“Collaboratively discussing the state of public transit with key stakeholders and agency officials is essential in order to provide a transportation system that works for our riders and economy,” said Villivalam. “I am grateful to see that everyone is engaged in having these essential conversations in order to better serve our riders and communities.”

More hearings will continue in the coming months, with the next being on Wednesday, July 24, at 10 a.m. in the South Suburbs of Cook County, with the subject being transit must be accessible and equitable.

Exact locations 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.