Opinion: Illinois Transit Bill Could Revolutionize Intercity Travel

In a piece for Streetsblog Chicago, Rick Harnish, executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance, argues that the transit reform bill passed by the Illinois General Assembly at the end of May could “quietly set the stage for a potential revolution in U.S. transportation policy.”

As Harnish explains, “While its primary focus is restructuring transit governance and stabilizing funding for northeastern Illinois agencies like Metra, this bill includes a historic breakthrough: a dedicated funding stream for intercity passenger rail.”

Harnish lists several ways that the bill, if passed, could shift rail policy for Illinois and the nation. For one, a stronger Metra could become a “cornerstone” for broader regional — and national — rail. Illinois could also become another model for the ‘integrated network’ approach to transit that ensures high-speed rail connects to other transit systems.

According to Harnish, a dedicated source of funding for intercity rail “could unlock the door to new rail routes and modern service connecting cities across Illinois—and it sets a precedent for other states to follow.”

IDOT is also developing a statewide bus plan that could “dramatically expand access and connectivity for rural and downstate communities.”