SPRINGFIELD- Joining transit workers, union members and fellow legislators at a press conference Tuesday morning, State Senator Ram Villivalam spoke about Senate Bill 1938 ─ a measure to address issues facing the public transit system amid the quickly approaching $771 million fiscal cliff.

“The Regional Transportation Authority is approaching a $771 million fiscal cliff in 2026, and everyday riders continue to face challenges such as ghost buses, lack of service and safety concerns,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “To address the issues that current riders face, I introduced Senate Bill 1938 in collaboration with transit workers and union members.”

Over the last 18 months, Villivalam has held eight subject matter hearings, affording the Senate Transportation Committee members the opportunity to hear over 30 hours of testimony from stakeholders, advocates and everyday riders.

Through these hearings, members of the committee were able to learn more about the issues that currently face the system, how public transit impacts different parts of society such as the economy and public health, as well as understand how the fiscal cliff would impact service in the Regional Transportation Authority region.

To address these concerns, Villivalam introduced Senate Bill 1938, which would provide improved service board coordination and accountability measures, coordinated safety measures, agency interconnection and a universal fare tool, service board composition and other governance changes.

“Through this measure, riders will be provided with better service and streamlined governance through a system that is safe, reliable, accessible, integrated, environmentally conscious and economically impactful,” said Villivalam. “This legislation is an opportunity for us to seize this moment and not just plug a hole, but to plan for the future.”

Discussions are expected to continue in efforts to address issues facing the public transit system in Illinois.