Paths to Regional and Intercity Rail Expansion: A Closer Look at NITA

Hosted by the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter State Lobby Team

Speaker: Jordan Pokorney, manager of outreach and engagement, High Speed Rail Alliance

When the Illinois General Assembly passed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act last Halloween, it went beyond funding and restructuring Chicagoland transit. It presented an opportunity to transform the role of passenger rail in the state.

Some of its many provisions include funding to establish Amtrak service between Chicago and the Quad Cities, a mandated study to expand the Metra Electric District to Kankakee, and allowing intercity rail projects to qualify for downstate transit funding programs. At the big-picture level, Metra must also transition from commuter rail to regional rail, providing more frequent service throughout the day and on weekends.

Join the Sept. 3 installment of the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter’s Biweekly Chicago State Lobby Team Meeting to learn more about what NITA means for Illinois passenger rail and the foundation it lays for sustainable transportation.