Scherer-Backed Law Delivers Major Investment in Affordable Transit for Downstate Communities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Nearly $150 million in new funding for downstate communities will expand access to affordable, reliable public transit options under a major transportation reform law passed by state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur.

“For too long, our transit system has been held back by inefficiency. This reform creates clear oversight, stronger coordination, and a long-term plan that finally puts riders first.” said Scherer “When transit works, our entire region works. This law strengthens service, supports workers, and helps businesses thrive by making it easier and more reliable for people to get where they need to go.”

The 54 transit agencies serving communities outside of the Chicago area offer an affordable way for people to get to work, get home, and go to the store—and people in downstate communities rely on these options more than 30 million times every year. While many have focused on the challenges facing Chicago transit, Scherer worked to call attention to the state’s chronic underfunding of downstate public transportation systems, including Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) and Decatur Public Transit System (DPTS)

Scherer passed Senate Bill 2111, which provides a historic level of new investment in downstate transit systems, delivering $129 million to improve operations and an additional $20 million to expand service and improve infrastructure—without new taxes or fees on downstate communities. Scherer’s law achieves this record funding using existing state funds and interest generated from the state’s Transportation Fund—not on higher fares or taxes on delivery services, event tickets, or rideshares.  

The new law also prioritizes efficiency, by creating an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Transit Innovation, Integration, and Reform within the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to better integrate various downstate transit systems.

Senate Bill 2111 was signed into law Tuesday.