Quinn signs legislation requiring transit review

CHICAGO - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a mass transit reform law intended to make the operations of transit agencies serving metropolitan Chicago more transparent and accountable.

The legislation requires advance transit board and House and Senate committee review for any proposed mass transit employee contract exceeding $100,000. It also requires advance board review of any proposed employee bonus exceeding 10 percent, or any large employee separation or settlement.

Quinn said Friday the law helps keep public transit agencies efficient and reliable.

The legislation was introduced in the wake of reports of patronage, financial impropriety, hidden conflicts of interest and inappropriate influence over contracts awarded by the Metra commuter rail agency.

The bill was sponsored by Evanston Democratic Sen. Daniel Biss and Hazel Crest Democratic Rep. Al Riley.