SPRINGFIELD – Building on recent successes in funding Western Illinois infrastructure, State Senator Mike Halpin helped secure landmark transit upgrades for the region.

“This investment will go to necessary upkeep and expansion of our public transit system in Western Illinois,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this money, we have the opportunity to expand ridership, improve safety and bring economic opportunity to the entire region.”

Most notably, the transit package includes funding for Chicago – Quad Cities passenger rail. This level of funding significantly advances the more than two-decade push to reestablish a passenger rail connection between Chicago and the Quad Cities. The legislation also addresses the downstate mass transit “fiscal cliff,” allocating nearly $160 million to downstate transit districts, including Metrolink, Warren County Transportation, City of Galesburg Transit, and Go West Transit in Macomb.

“This package tackles many of our transit priorities by expanding ridership and maintaining our transit fleet, keeping folks connected to Western Illinois by rail,” said Halpin. “These projects will further integrate Western Illinois into the broader economy and deepen the development of a world class transit system.”

Senate Bill 2111 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the governor’s desk for further consideration.