Richard Chew is joined in studio by Amy Rynell, executive director of Active Transportation Alliance.

Rynell spoke about the looming financial crisis for public transit in Chicago and the state of Illinois. By 2027, the region faces a $1 billion annual gap in transit funding, largely due to federal and state disinvestment. 

"We need action now," she told WCPT. "That's probably the top-line message. Where we're at is because the legislature didn't pass things completely in May, the transit agencies are now having to plan for cuts. They have to present a balanced budget. So this is their budget, starting in January. The magnitude of cuts: about a 40 percent service cut. The magnitude is such that we would eliminate all train lines except Blue and Red. We would eliminate so many bus routes."

Rynell also emphasized the importance of bus rapid transit and regional integration of transit systems. 

Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew” weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views).

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