CHICAGO - Third in a series of subject matter hearings, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a hearing Friday on the state of public transit and how it supports community quality of life.

“Public transit transforms the lives of our communities, neighbors and families by connecting them to essential resources – giving us a higher quality of life,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By having these conversations, we are able to identify and see how transit supports various areas of our lives, and what work can be done to build upon this support.”

As transit agencies are now seeing a steady increase of rider share after its decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to continue the work of improving the reliability, safety, and accessibility of the system has become a priority.

Committee members were able to hear testimony from various panelists, ranging from those at the head of service agencies, to local county boards talking about how transit supports riders and the community in regards to quality of life.

“This hearing was able to identify how public transit supports factors outside of just connecting people to health care, jobs or education,” said Villivalam. “Social, physical and safety factors are supported through public transit. Without a robust system, many will have to find less safe and reliable transportation means.”

More hearings will continue in the coming months, with the next being on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. to include Kane and McHenry counties. The hearing will focus on how transit is crucial for public health.

Exact locations of the hearings are to be determined. Additional hearings or adjustments to the schedule may arise. Villivalam will announce the remaining locations of the hearings and any other relevant information on his website and social media.