The
need for state action to ensure a reliable and sustainable public
transit system was highlighted today with the release of the Regional
Transportation Authority 2007 budget. The strategic plan calls for $10
billion in capital over five years and $400 million per year in
operating funds.
“The
billions in transit dollars needed to repair and maintain public
transit reveals how annual temporary fixes from state lawmakers in the
past are failing the transit network,” said Brian Imus, Director of
Illinois PIRG (Public Interest Research Group). “We need lawmakers to
address Northeastern Illinois’ funding shortfall for both operating and
capital funds.”
“You
don’t need to read the RTA strategic plan and budget to know there is a
shortfall of transit dollars in the Chicagoland region,” added Imus.
“Anyone who relies on public transit to get to work experiences how the
system is failing to keep pace with needs.”
Illinois PIRG supports the call for additional capital funds and new
funding mechanisms to keep operating dollars at pace with demand.
When considering proposals, there are three guiding principles
lawmakers should use to evaluate options to adequately fund transit.
First, lawmakers should consider diversifying agency revenue sources.
Doing so protects transit systems from fluctuations in the economy that
might hit one particular revenue source harder than others. The
editorial rightly highlights changes in sales tax revenue as a source
of transit’s current funding shortfall.
Second, transit funding should either correct market failures by
discouraging pollution and sprawl or target revenues from those who
will most benefit from the reduced congestion brought about by transit.
For example, impact fees paid by developers could help ensure that new
development pay its fair share of public infrastructure needs,
including transit, to accommodate new growth. Another option could
include an increase in license, registration and title taxes based on
vehicle fuel efficiency or miles traveled.
Finally, transit funding cannot be a blank check. State lawmakers
should attach some strings to new funding that improve agency
transparency and accountability. The Illinois Auditor General’s soon to
be released report can be a helpful resource in determining proper
accountability measures.
With
these three principles guiding the debate, 2007 could be the year state
lawmakers fix transit shortfalls for decades to come. Doing so will
mean more transit options, less congestion on our roads, and save
Illinoisans money otherwise wasted on extra gas and time stuck in
traffic.
