SPRINGFIELD — Joining climate advocates at the Illinois State Capitol Wednesday, State Senator Ram Villivalam spoke at a rally about how public transit positively impacts our environment and what can be done to address issues currently facing the state’s transit system.

“We have spent the last two years on this journey; we asked the Chicago Metropolitan Council on Planning to put together a report and convene stakeholders, had bills introduced and held over eight subject matter hearings across the region to hear over 35 hours of testimony,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We've heard repeatedly that public transit is good for our economy, it must be equitable and accessible, is necessary for equality, community quality of life, and how it is good for our environment.”

For the last 19 months, Villivalam has been working alongside stakeholders, advocates, including the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, and everyday riders to address issues facing the public transit system in the Regional Transportation Authority region amid the $771 million fiscal cliff.

Villivalam and members of the Senate Transportation Committee have heard testimony to learn about the issues currently facing the system, such as ghost buses, lack of service and safety, and how to address them.

“We are one region, one state, and we want to make sure every rider has the ability to get to their doctor, their school, their job, with ease and access, no questions. We need to get this done,” said Villivalam.

Senator Villivalam remains committed to working with legislators, stakeholders and advocates on improving the state’s transit system.  

View Sen. Villivalam's remarks here.