Illinois’ Passenger Rail Planning Act aims for success
Higher standards, expert governance, and public involvement
A regional rail network with high-frequency trains is vital to the future of Illinois and the Midwest. Achieving it requires that planning starting now.
A bill currently in the Illinois General Assembly advances frequent passenger rail service by expanding the role of the Illinois High Speed Rail Commission to evaluate and make recommendations for several strategic corridors.
The Passenger Rail Planning Act deserves strong, vocal support from civic leaders, policymakers, advocates, and citizens interested in bringing great trains to Illinois.
Regional rail planning by those who do it best
The High Speed Rail Commission, which is already planning a high-speed line between Chicago and East St. Louis, is chaired by James M. Derwinski, the head of Metra—one of the best public railroads in the country.
Having the chief executive of Metra as the chairman of a commission doing planning and oversight of the state passenger rail program makes sense. The vice chairman is Tim Butler, president of the Illinois Railroad Association, the trade association for the railroad industry. Other members include delegates from relevant labor unions and metropolitan planning organizations.
This group, to be renamed the Intercity Shared Corridor and High Speed Rail Commission, is representative, experienced, and capable. Plus, the Commission holds monthly meetings that are open to the public, who can submit comments. The Passenger Rail Planning Act will let Illinoisans have more of a say in how their transportation system is shaped.
This bill’s passage will affirm the General Assembly’s determination to make great trains a reality in Illinois and encourage surrounding states to follow, thus creating the foundation for a transformative regional rail network connecting the Midwest.
