Delgado Statement on Public Transit Reform

CHICAGO, Ill. – For too long, our region’s transit system has been governed by outdated structures that don’t reflect how people live, work, and travel today. Transit should be seamless, safe, and worthy of our world-class city and region. That’s why, after years of leading efforts for a better way forward—and more than a year of working with colleagues, advocates, and communities—I proudly supported the creation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.

This reform bill is about transforming the rider experience and strengthening accountability to the public. With a unified agency comes one goal: delivering high-quality, reliable transit to everyone—whether you ride the bus in Woodstock, the train in Aurora, or the L across Chicago.

We’ve also heard the public loud and clear: any funding solution must come with real benefits. I will continue to focus on getting the investments we need in transit to protect service for all riders, including those who depend on paratransit. The crisis we face is serious and we need serious solutions.

There is still work ahead. But we now have the blueprint to build the 21st-century transit system our region needs—one that meets today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.

Together, we can create a connected, safe, and sustainable future for public transit in Illinois. And I remain committed to making that future a reality. I would like to highlight and thank Representatives Buckner, Evans and Moylan as well as Senator Villivalam for all their work and look forward to our continued joint efforts.