CHICAGO - Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing Wednesday to discuss how public transit is crucial for public health.

“From reducing emissions to improving mental and physical health, public transit is a crucial part of the health and well-being or our neighbors,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we work toward a public transit system that underpins healthy communities.”

Across the Regional Transit Authority region, public transit is expected to hit a $730 million fiscal cliff in 2026, as federal COVID-19 pandemic funding is running out, and many are calling for up to a $1.1 billion investment to have the system needed for the future.

Over the recent months, Villivalam has held subject matter hearings across Chicago and the suburbs to discuss the current state of public transit in relation to topics such as how it supports the economy, how it needs to be accessible and equitable, and how it supports community quality of life.

Wednesday’s hearing included testimony from various panelists, which included heads of service agencies, county elected officials and residents, to discuss how public transit impacts the public health of communities.

"As the Senate Transportation Committee continues to discuss proposed changes to the operational and governing structure of Illinois' regional transit system, at this hearing we heard from elected officials and other stakeholders from Kane and McHenry Counties," said State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), minority spokesperson for the committee. "Thousands of daily commuters and weekend travelers from these counties rely on Metra, Pace, and the Chicago Transit Authority, and current proposals could affect many aspects of riders' public transit experience, including access, cost, and representation on the governing board."

More hearings will continue in the coming months, with the next being on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. in the Northwest Suburbs of Cook County and Lake County. The hearing will focus on how transit mitigates climate impact.

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.