Teamsters and other members of the Labor Alliance for Public Transit gathered at Union Station in Chicago to urge Illinois lawmakers to address the state’s public transportation funding crisis. The coalition called for improvements to the infrastructure and solutions to a shortfall exceeding $700 million.
Brandon Stewart, a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen employed by Metra, emphasized the importance of public transit: “Metra keeps the economic engine of Illinois running. Every day we connect people to opportunity,” he said. Stewart stressed that they are seeking necessary resources rather than special treatment.
With a legislative deadline looming, significant service cuts could affect users of the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Pace, and other paratransit services if no agreement is reached by Saturday midnight.
Anthony Sessa from the United Passenger Rail Federation highlighted the urgency: “We can’t put a Band-Aid on this problem — we need a comprehensive, long-term solution that addresses both funding and systemic improvements.”
Shavonn Jones, a paratransit driver with Teamsters Local 727, spoke about her role in aiding vulnerable populations: “Every day, I help seniors and people with disabilities get where they need to go… Don’t leave our riders behind.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million workers across North America. More information can be found at Teamster.org or on their social media platforms.
