03.04.15

Durbin Meets With Chicago Transit Leaders To Discuss Upcoming Legislation Reauthorizing Critical Transportation Programs

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – With Congress preparing to consider a legislation to reauthorize federal surface transportation programs, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) met today with representatives from the Chicago region’s transit, light rail, and bus organizations to discuss the importance of robust federal support for mass transit and our national transportation network. Today’s meeting was attended by Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Chairman Kirk Dillard and representatives from Metra, Pace Bus, and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). A photo of today’s meeting will be available shortly here.

“This year, Congress faces a deadline on the future of our national transportation and infrastructure network,” Durbin said. “The Chicago region’s future depends on our ability to improve our existing infrastructure to meet new demand. With RTA, CTA, Metra, and Pace working together to improve mass transit service throughout the region, Congress must also do its part and provide the necessary resources to upgrade aging public transportation systems and infrastructure like Chicago’s Union Station.”

With an extension of funding federal surface transportation programs set to expire, Congress is expected to take up legislation reauthorizing highway, transit, and rail programs later this year. This bill will have a significant impact on Illinois, which is home to one of the nation’s largest multimodal transportation networks.

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