Area ministers launch coalition to advocate for investments in regional transit system

CHICAGO – A broad cross-section of ministers from across Chicagoland launched a new coalition to urge Illinois lawmakers to fight for mass transit funding in this year’s budget.  Led by Reverend Walter B. Johnson, Jr. of Greater Institutional AME Church, Reverend Roosevelt Watkins of Pastors United for Change, Reverend Walter Turner of New Spiritual Light and Reverend Albert D. Tyson, III of St. Stephen AME Church, the new “Faith Alliance for Fair Transit Funding” called upon area communities to unite in support of funding for mass transit.

“At a time when Illinois is deciding how to use our tax dollars, we need our communities to speak with a strong unified voice to make our elected official understand that transit and our communities must get their share of allocated funds,” said Rev. Albert D. Tyson, III, St. Stephen AME Church.

Projects such as the CTA Red Line extension to 130th Street and replacement of cars on the Metra electric line were identified as a few of the top priorities by the ministers.  With debate in Springfield over the amount of funding for roads and transit continuing, the ministers called for fair and equitable investments in transit dependent communities.

“The faith community has partnered on several important issues – from school funding to gun control,” noted Rev. Johnson, “but it is also important to make sure that there is adequate funding for mass transit, particularly since so many depend on the system every day.”

The Faith Alliance for Fair Transit Funding coalition will forward a statement in support of adequate transit funding signed by more than 75 ministers to members of the Illinois General Assembly from across northeastern Illinois.  Calls and direct contact to Chicago-area legislators in the closing weeks of the legislative session are also planned. 

The Alliance supports adequate funding for the transit system.  The Regional Transportation Authority has identified a $10 billion need over the next five years to maintain and enhance service at the CTA, Metra and Pace; a minimum investment of $5 billion over the next 5 years is required to prevent the system from falling even further behind. 

“Thousands of families in our communities do not have a choice,” explained Rev. Johnson.  “They depend on transit as their only way to get to work, or get to school, or visit the doctor or simply get around.  We need to make sure our legislators understand the necessity of a viable transit system.”