Transportation (Public Transit)

Creates the Road Usage Charge Act. Establishes the Road Usage Charge Advisory Committee to guide the development and evaluation of the road usage charge pilot program and to assess the potential for mileage-based revenue as an alternative to the current system of taxing highway use through motor fuel taxes. Sets forth the membership and duties of the committee. Requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State and based on the recommendations of the Committee, to implement a statewide pilot program by January 1, 2026 to assess a user fee on owners of motor vehicles that is based on the number of miles traveled on public roadways in this State by those vehicles. Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that, on and after February 1, 2026, the Chicago Transit Board shall have 8 members (currently 7 members). Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes by Directors required to issue bonds. Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that the Annual Budget and 2-Year Financial Plan must show that the aggregate of all projected fare revenues from fares and charges for mass transportation provided by, or under grant or purchase of service contracts of, the Service Boards received in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 shall equal at least 25%, and in fiscal years 2028 and 2029 and every year thereafter at least 15%, of the aggregate cost of providing such public transportation in those fiscal years. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026, the Regional Transportation Authority shall be the sole agency responsible for the management and oversight of the fare collection systems used on all public transportation provided by the Service Boards. Makes changes to the membership of the Suburban Bus Board and the Commuter Rail Board. Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes required by the Directors of the Authority to approve decisions regarding the strategic plan, coordination of fares and service, appointment of officers and employees, paratransit services, powers of the Commuter Rail Board, labor, budget, taxes, distribution of revenues, issuing and pledging bonds and notes, budget review powers, the annual capital improvement plan, and rate protection contracts. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Appropriates $250,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Transportation for establishing a pilot program connecting Northern Illinois University students from the Aurora area to Northern Illinois University. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that, by December 31, 2025, the Regional Transportation Authority, the Board of the Commuter Rail Division of the Authority, the Board of the Suburban Bus Division of the Authority, and the Board of the Chicago Transit Authority shall create a program to provide free rides to persons earning under 138% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' poverty guidelines. Effective July 1, 2025.

Creates the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act, and establishes the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Provides that the Chicago Transit Authority, the Commuter Rail Division and the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, and the Regional Transportation Authority are consolidated into the Metropolitan Mobility Authority and the Service Boards are abolished, instead creating the Suburban Bus Operating Division, Commuter Rail Operating Division, and the Chicago Transit Operating Division. Reinserts, reorganizes, and changes some provisions from the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act into the new Act and repeals those Acts. Includes provisions about the operation of the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Creates the Equitable Transit-Supportive Development Act. Establishes the Office of Transit-Oriented Development. Provides that the Office and the Fund are to aid transit-supportive development near high-quality transit by providing specified funding to municipalities that have adopted the standards in the transit support overlay district for that area or that have adopted zoning and other changes that the Office determines have benefits greater than or equal to such a District, including transit support overlay districts. Includes provisions relating to Office standards, procedures, and reports. Creates the Zero-Emission Vehicle Act. Provides that all on-road vehicles purchased or leased by a governmental unit on or after January 1, 2029 must be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle, repowered zero-emission vehicle, manufactured near zero-emission vehicle, or repowered near zero-emission vehicle. Provides that on and after January 1, 2034, all on-road vehicles purchased or leased by a governmental unit must be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or repowered zero-emission vehicle. Provides that, by January 1, 2049, all on-road vehicles operated by a governmental unit must be a manufactured or repowered zero-emission vehicle. Sets forth provisions implementing the Act, including requiring the Department of Central Management Services to adopt certain rules. Amends various Acts, Laws, and Codes to make conforming changes for the new Acts and to make other changes. Provides that some provisions are effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Transportation to create an intercity bus program. Provides that the Department shall plan for and implement intercity bus routes that (i) add missing frequencies to existing passenger rail routes, (ii) begin frequent departures throughout the day in advance of Amtrak service, and (iii) add smaller towns into the network. Requires bus schedules to be coordinated with intercity and commuter trains so that passengers can conveniently connect between buses and trains. Provides that passengers shall be able to purchase a single ticket for journeys combining intercity buses and intercity trains. Provides that bus-only tickets shall be available for purchase from the same ticketing system used by intercity trains. Allows the Department to implement the program by (i) contracting directly with intercity bus carriers through competitive bids, (ii) contracting through Amtrak's Thruway bus program, or (iii) contract directly with a local transit authority within the State.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Eliminates language providing that a licensee under the Act shall not knowingly carry a firearm on any bus, train, or form of transportation paid for in whole or in part with public funds, and any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public transportation facility paid for in whole or in part with public funds. Effective immediately.

Amends the Transportation Article of the School Code. Provides that each school board may provide free transportation for any pupil residing within a one-half mile (rather than one and one-half miles) from the school attended where conditions are such that walking, either to or from the school to which a pupil is assigned for attendance or to or from a pick-up point or bus stop, constitutes a serious hazard to the safety of the pupil due to either vehicular traffic or rail crossings or a course or pattern of criminal activity.

Amends the Local Mass Transit District Act. Provides that the board of trustees of any local mass transit district may: (1) initiate transit-oriented developments and trail-oriented developments; (2) partner with public bodies, private entities, non-profit organizations, or institutions for the purpose of these developments; (3) acquire real property or facilities for the purpose of these developments; (4) own, maintain, design, construct, reconstruct, improve, repair, operate, or lease any facilities for the purpose of these developments; (5) use funds and property of these districts for the purpose of these developments; and (6) borrow money, issue bonds, apply for grants, and enter into lease agreements or intergovernmental agreements for the purpose of these developments.

Amends the Local Mass Transit District Act. Provides that the Board of Trustees of every local mass transit district may initiate transit-oriented developments and trail-oriented developments, including, but not limited to, residential, commercial, mixed-use, governmental, institutional, or childcare facilities located near a transit station, bus stop, transit hub, transit node, or trail. Provides that local mass transit district may partner with public bodies, private entities, non-profit organizations, or institutions for the purpose of those transit-oriented developments and trail-oriented developments.