HB1342 - TRANSIT RIDING PRIVILEGES/FARE

23 Co-Sponsors

Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following additions. Further amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, the Local Mass Transit District Act, and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Adds limits to suspension of riding privileges and confiscation of fare media and required procedures. Further amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that the Chicago Transit Board shall partner with the City of Chicago to provide transportation at reduced fares for participants in programs which offer employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24. Further amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that, due to the fiscal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aggregate of all projected fare revenues from specified fares and charges received in fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 (rather than 2021, 2022, and 2023) may be less than 50% of the aggregate costs of providing public transportation in those fiscal years. Creates the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Regional Transit Authority Public Transportation Assistance Program to issue monetarily preloaded mass transit cards to The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence for survivor and victim use of public transportation through the Chicago Transit Authority, the Suburban Bus Division, and the Commuter Rail Division. Provides that, after January 1, 2026, a Service Board may not enter into a new contract to purchase a bus that is not a zero-emission bus for the purpose of the Service Board's transit bus fleet, and amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Requires the Regional Transportation Authority to study and submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly regarding the feasibility and cost of providing year-round reduced or free transit fares for veterans, returning residents, and students who are not currently receiving a free or reduced fare. Requires the Suburban Bus Division and the Commuter Rail Division to create or partner with a youth jobs program to provide internship or employment opportunities to youth and young adults. Makes other changes. Provides that certain provisions are effective immediately.