Riley Responds to Northeastern Illinois Public Transit Task Force Report Release

Olympia Fields, Ill – State Rep. Al Riley, D-Olympia Fields, released the following statement regarding the Northeastern Illinois Public Transit Task Force report release scheduled for today:

“I’d like to commend Governor Quinn and members of the Northeastern Illinois Public Transit Task Force for taking the initiative to identify and recommend reforms that will improve our regional transit system. I am very interested in their recommendations, especially the areas where it is upon the state to participate. In large part however, these recommendations cannot come into fruition without legislative action and approval by the General Assembly.  So far this year, the legislature has joined in these reform efforts by advancing bills that deal with many issues of the task force deliberated.  In the days and weeks ahead, we will review all of the recommendations and determine what can be reasonably implemented.

“It is my view that if the public’s interest is put first, then the end result in any set of reforms will benefit the community. The needs of the public must come before any particular ideology or aspect of control.  Not doing so will insure that the same insularity and benign neglect that we have experienced over the years will continue to plague public transit riders.  The tax dollars and fares paid by the citizenry are supporting a regional transportation system which they expect to be safe and efficient.  It is my hope that we can provide the citizens of Northeastern Illinois a world-class transportation system that will be responsive to both the riding and driving public.”

For more information, please contact Riley by email at r[email protected] or by phone at (708) 799-4364.

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