(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Illinois lawmakers heard more discouraging words about a plan to streamline the way Illinois transit agencies are run.
Democratic state Sen. Ram Villivalam, who represents parts of Chicago and some northwest suburbs, has now chaired about a half-dozen hearings on transportation, in general, and specifically on a proposal to combine the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace into one agency — with a single board.
All three agencies oppose that proposal.
At the latest hearing in the state capitol, Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea was asked if the idea would simplify labor relations.
He said it would do the opposite.
“Legacy financial obligations or debt, including CTA pension liabilities, should not be passed on to other constituent groups,” said John Coultas, an official with the Illinois Municipal League. “This would result in significant increases in pension costs to the other boards if CTA’s combined with them in this fashion.”
Coultas said local governments believe governing transit systems can be improved, but a single board is not the way to go.
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