AASHTO Journal - Illinois DOT Seeks Public Input on New Transit Plan

In late June, the Illinois Department of Transportation issued a new statewide public transportation plan that aims to craft a new “strategic vision” for transit services in Illinois, as well as recommend policy, make performance updates, and identify specific initiatives. The agency noted that the last public transportation plan for Illinois was completed in 2018.

[Above photo by Illinois DOT]

Entitled “Next Move Illinois,” this new transit plan dovetails with Move Illinois, Illinois DOT’s long-range transportation plan that is currently being updated.

The agency said “Next Move Illinois” will incorporate feedback from transit providers to help address the needs of diverse communities across the state, including ideas on enhancing accessibility, fostering long-term ridership growth, optimizing intermodal connectivity and implementing strategic measures to strengthen the transportation network against any future challenges.

Illinois DOT added that “Next Move Illinois” will also place a special focus on transit operator collaboration, social equity and accessibility, as well as emerging mobility and other new technologies.

“Next Move Illinois is dedicated to enhancing quality of life and connectivity for all residents, while creating a transit network that’s as diverse and dynamic as the communities it serves,” said Omer Osman, the agency’s secretary, in a statement.

“By prioritizing innovation and collaboration, we’re ensuring that every Illinois resident and visitor can access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” he noted.

“Next Move Illinois is our opportunity to evaluate what we’ve accomplished and launch moonshot ideas that will meet the state’s public transportation needs for today and for the next generation,” added Shoun Reese, deputy director of transit in Illinois DOT’s Office of Intermodal Project Implementation.

Reese noted that Governor J.B. Pritzker’s “Rebuild Illinois” capital program identifies a total of $4.5 billion – $3 billion in bonding and $1.5 billion in new pay-as-you-go funding – to invest in transit throughout the state. Rebuild Illinois also contains a dedicated funding stream for transit in the Chicago area via the state motor fuel tax; guaranteeing sustained funding for projects and capital needs.

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system – touching all modes of transportation.