Single agency to control transit plans

By John Patterson
Daily Herald State Government Editor
Posted Wednesday, August 10, 2005

SPRINGFIELD — In an attempt to streamline the Chicago region’s transportation planning, Gov. Rod Blagojevich agreed Tuesday to consolidate the decision-making responsibilities of two agencies.

The plan is part of a months–long effort to re-evaluate regional mass transit, and combines the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission and Chicago Area Transportation Study into one regional planning authority.

Overseeing this new mega-planning agency will be a 15-member board appointed by mayors and other elected officials. Five seats will be filled by Chicago, five more by suburban Cook County and the final five seats by DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Will, Kane and Kendall counties.

“As northeastern Illinois continues to grow and communities expand, we need to make sure we’re planning ahead to accommodate the additional traffic and increased demand on our transit systems,” Blagojevich said.

The move was spearheaded by state Rep. Suzie Bassi, a Rolling Meadows Republican. She hopes having one agency will increase efficiency and avoid conflicts. State Sen. Debbie Halvorson, a Crete Democrat, handled the plan in the state Senate.

Civic groups praised the move.

“Governor Blagojevich’s action today signals the beginning of a coordinated attack on the traffic jams that impact our region,” said George A. Ranney Jr., president and chief executive of Chicago Metropolis 2020.

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