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The Illinois House and Senate passed a transportation bill today that will increase mass transit funding and provide it with more stable revenue, according to the Chicago Tribune (hat tip Capitol Fax). The new revenue comes from an increase in the sales tax (a quarter point in Cook County and half a point in the suburban collar counties). The bill also contained spending flexibility for DuPage and the collar counties to spend half of the increase on public safety - more on that later. Governor Rod Blagojevich agreed to sign the bill, despite being against a sales tax increase, but only if seniors 65 and older were permitted to ride free on “main line and fixed route” public transit routes - so the bill goes back to the State Assembly to consider Blagojevich’s demands. The House passed the bill today by 62-51 and the state senate by 30-25.

Press Release from State Senator Dan Kotowski:

“Kotowski Passes Mass Transit Funding, Works To Avoid Transit Shut-Down

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois State Senator Dan Kotowski (D- Park Ridge) says he’s optimistic that a mass transit bill will become law.

Kotowski voted for the comprehensive reform package that will bring much needed funding to the CTA, Metra, and Pace which will deliver a ‘world class’ public transportation system to Suburban Chicago.

Kotowski says, ‘This bill offers a significant increase for Metra, Pace, and other suburban transit. Public transit is a lifeline for public commuters to get to school and work.’

After months of negotiations a measure finally passed. This bill provides a long-term plan that will keep the suburban rapid transit system solvent in the future and virtually eliminate the prospect of further crises. Among the provisions in the bill are extensive reforms to the RTA structure which will heighten the level of transparency and accountability. The changes to the governance structure and the involvement of the Auditor General will require greater fiscal responsibility. Kotowski said, ‘This bill will ensure that fares will not increase in the near future so we can give public commuters safe and reliable transportation while maintaining greater public scrutiny over the process.’

‘The CTA, RTA, and employees’ unions have signed off on this proposal, and the economic and environmental impact will be felt throughout my senate district,’ said Kotowski.

Unlike some proposals that have been put forth, House Bill 656 contains sustainable funding sources Kotowski says will leave a lasting impact on Illinois. ‘We are lucky to live in a world class metropolitan area, and we deserve a world class public transportation system.’

Kotowski concluded, ‘Despite the many challenges, we have fixed the rapid transit funding issue for the foreseeable future and riders can rest easy that we are working to bring positive results.’”