Group notes state transit funds are on wrong track

If state lawmakers could just take a deep breath, they'd see what's wrong with the capital budget plan, environmental groups contend.

Not enough money is directed toward public transit or encouraging people to bike and walk instead of driving, said officials with the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and Midwest High Speed Rail organization Tuesday.

"We're spending a lot of money building highways," Illinois PIRG Director Brian Imus said. "It's time we started thinking about high gas prices, global warming pollution and congestion in cities."

According to PIRG researchers, people using the Chicago Transit Authority, Pace or Metra buses and trains prevented 276 million gallons of gas from being used in 2006, a savings of $700 million.

On a larger scale, public transit in the United States eliminated the need for 3.4 billion gallons of gas in 2006. That means a reduction in 26 million metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution, which is created by burning fossil fuels, PIRG reported.

The warnings came as state leaders face a barrage of criticism for failing to find consensus on a capital plan and lawmakers head back to Springfield for an overtime session. The three agencies held a press conference in Chicago to lobby for an environmental element to the capital plan.

"Doing business as usual isn't going to work," said Rick Harnish, HIgh Speed Rail organization executive director. Providing train service to Rockford and funding Metra and Pace so the agencies can offer more frequent service were among his recommendations.