Public transportation in Chicago has long been a vital part of urban life, intertwined with the city’s culture and daily routines. From riding the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains to cherishing memories of local landmarks, public transit is not just a means of travel but a cornerstone of city life.
As an advocate for public transit, Illinois state Rep. Kam Buckner emphasizes the importance of the CTA and other transit systems. He recognizes the connection between a city’s public transportation system and the broader socio-economic health of that city.
“If you show me a public transit system that has an influx of unhoused people, I can guarantee you I can show you a city that has a housing problem,” Buckner stated. He highlighted how transit systems reflect the city’s overall well-being, informing policies and initiatives that can lead to beneficial reforms.
However, the CTA faces significant challenges today, including issues related to leadership, service reliability, and safety concerns. The pandemic caused a drastic drop in ridership, and many people now perceive public transit differently, with a lingering negative image that deters potential riders. Problems like passengers smoking on trains only exacerbate the CTA’s difficulties.
To address these issues, Buckner and other officials are now pushing for reform and looking toward a more sustainable future for transit in Northeast Illinois. A looming fiscal crisis—projected to exceed $700 million—has created a pressing need for bold policy changes, potentially including new funding mechanisms.
Uncertainty around service consistency has led to declining rider confidence, prompting calls for improved coordination among existing transit agencies. Buckner advocates for the creation of the Metropolitan Mobility Act, which aims to unify the CTA, Metra, Pace, and the Regional Transportation Authority under one governing body.
This proposal, while ambitious, has sparked fears of diminishing local control. Some worried that such consolidation might erode the authority of city officials, with suburban interests gaining undue influence over transit systems that primarily serve urban riders.
Despite these concerns, there is a shared understanding that better governance and coordination could significantly improve the transit experience for riders. During a recent discussion, Buckner pointed out the need for a streamlined fare structure to facilitate easier transfers between transit systems, eliminating the hassle of navigating different payment methods and apps.
In a digital age where connectivity is crucial, providing seamless transit options is essential for fostering economic growth and community cohesion. Buckner underscored that an effective transit system benefits all groups, transcending socio-economic and demographic boundaries.
Experiences on the Green Line highlighted the need for immediate improvements. During a recent ride with Buckner, the two encountered several delays, prompting reflections on Chicago’s public transportation woes compared to other major cities globally. As Buckner noted, even slight delays in some cities come with robust accountability and quick responses from the transit staff, contrasting sharply with experiences here.
When discussing global transit systems, Buckner shares his admiration for cities like Istanbul, London, Beijing, and Paris. He believes that Chicago possesses the capability and knowledge to elevate its transit system to similar standards, but this requires prioritization and urgency in reform.
As transit advocates work toward legislative changes, help is needed from Springfield to ensure successful new policies are enforced by May. While labor groups have differing opinions on consolidation, they echo a commitment to better coordination in service delivery.
The challenge remains: how to revitalize a system crucial to Chicago’s identity and functionality while addressing its financial shortfalls and service inadequacies. For Buckner and his supporters, the opportunity is clear; leveraging public transportation as a means to heal and enhance the city lies ahead.
As members of the community, he urges residents to consider their role in advocating for an effective transit system. People need to recognize the intrinsic value of public transit not just for convenience, but as a vital public good akin to parks, schools, and libraries that must be preserved and improved for future generations.
With the right mindset and a concerted effort to reform and enhance public transit, Buckner believes that Chicago can evolve into a city where public transportation meets the needs of all its residents. The journey toward that goal will not be easy, but the conversation is one worth having as urban challenges continue to unfold.
Natalie Y. Moore, a senior lecturer at Northwestern University and host of WBEZ’s podcast “Stories Without End,” sheds light on these transit issues, adding depth to the ongoing discourse surrounding public transportation in Chicago.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2025/04/25/cta-pace-rta-chicago-public-transit-dirty-slow-ghost-bus-kam-buckner-natalie-moore
