Bills to Expand Illinois Railway Program Introduced

Illinois has always been at the heart of America’s rail network, and it is uniquely poised to lead the country towards great trains.

Because of its political heft and Chicago’s role as the nation’s rail hub, a growing and dynamic railway program in Illinois will transform the national conversation.

Three newly introduced pieces of legislation offer a roadmap to realize this vision. We would like to thank Senator Terri Bryant (R- Murphysboro), Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Burbank), Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford), Representative Matt Hanson (D-Batavia), and Representative Martin Moylan (D-Des Plaines), for their leadership on this effort.

• SB1901 (Stadelman) and HB3285 (Hanson)
  Funding a growing and dynamic State Railway Program
• SB1863 (Bryant) and HB2938 (Moylan)
  Initial design and engineering for high-speed and regional rail
• SB2284 (Porfirio) and HB3166 (Moylan)
  Creating an intercity bus program within IDOT’s Bureau of Railroads

Sign the petition supporting a Statewide Railway Program

SB1901 & HB3285 lay the foundation for a robust statewide railway program with a focus on financing major components of the system:

• Planning capacity is essential, as expanding the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation will ensure Illinois has the expertise and resources to develop new routes, improve existing service, and advance electrified high-speed rail.
• Capital improvements and maintenance are equally critical, requiring investments in new bridges, additional tracks, and upgraded grade crossings to enhance safety, reduce delays, and increase system capacity.
• At the heart of a modern rail network are high-performance, low-emission trains—new rolling stock is needed to replace Metra’s aging fleet and expand service across the state with faster, more efficient equipment.
• Finally, ongoing operations funding must be secured to support frequent departures, maintain affordability, and accommodate growing ridership, ensuring Illinois’ rail network remains a viable, attractive alternative to driving.

SB1863 & HB2938 address a critical next step: the detailed engineering and design work that must happen before any shovel hits the ground. These early stages are especially important for large-scale railway projects:

• Pre-Construction Planning: Railway projects often miss out on federal grants or face significant delays because the necessary planning isn’t done in advance. SB 1863 & HB 2938 aim to change that.
• Corridor ID Program: Five Illinois corridors are part of the federal Corridor Identification and Development Program. Planning work on these corridors needs to accelerate – whatever the status of federal funding. Four other corridors need to be treated as-if they are in Corridor ID.
• Comprehensive Vision: With thorough planning, Illinois can move quickly when the money is available, rather than scrambling after the fact.

SB2284 & HB3166 create an Intercity Bus program within the DOT’s Railroad Bureau so that buses can more easily support and fill in missing links in the railway network. Buses are a great way to make travel easier across the state while the railway network is developed.

The passage and implementation of these bills would establish Illinois as the nation’s leader in passenger rail innovation. By ensuring strong funding, thorough planning, and integrated bus-rail operations, these bills promise a future where residents can hop on a fast train or a connecting bus to reach every corner of the state.

Just as highways ushered in a new era of automotive freedom decades ago, a renewed focus on rail (and connecting buses) can bring new life to communities, from bustling Chicago to the farthest stretches of downstate Illinois. It’s time for Illinois to invest in the next generation of transportation—one that’s modern, green, and ready to serve everyone who calls the Land of Lincoln home.

Learn more about a Statewide Railway Program