CHICAGO — State Senator Graciela Guzmán is hosting a State of Transit Town Hall on Saturday, Aug. 16, with special guest State Senator Ram Villivalam to share updates about the state of transit in Illinois. 

“Whether it’s for commuting to and from work, getting groceries, or seeking health care, people in my community rely on public transit to live their lives, and could face dire consequences for their quality of life if our system is no longer a viable option,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “That is why I am hosting a forum for public opinion on this issue: so we can hear firsthand what folks are experiencing, and offer them peace of mind with our proposed solutions moving forward.” 

The northeastern Illinois transit region is expected to hit a $771 million fiscal cliff as federal pandemic relief funding runs out. Public transit riders are currently facing issues with the system, including delayed service, a lack of routes and limited coordination of services between providers. This presents an issue for many, as they are left without reliable transportation to reach health care appointments, jobs, school and more.

During this spring’s legislative session, Guzmán supported House Bill 3438 through the Senate – a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at providing safe, reliable, affordable, accessible, coordinated and economically impactful transit through viable, long-term solutions.

On Saturday, Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at NEIU El Centro Campus, located at 3390 N. Avondale Ave., Guzmán and co-sponsors are inviting residents to their State of Transit Town Hall to provide updates are transit, answer resident questions and learn more about how transit is essential to communities.

“Public transit is essential to the daily lives of millions of Illinoisans,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I look forward to providing updates to community on the passage of House Bill 3438, legislation that has robust reforms, a transformational investment of $1.5 billion to ensure our public transit system is safe, reliable, accessible and integrated, and avoids the devastation of 40% cuts to service and public transit workers losing their job.”

To register, visit www.SenatorGuzman.com/TransitTownHall.