Your Obligatory Transit Update

By Margaret Lyons in News on Jan 16, 2008 10:42PM

Photo by DJ Axis

Mayor Daley is urging state lawmakers to approve Blagojevich's cockamamie transit plan, saying

Let’s just get it done. Let’s pass it. They have to pass this legislation…with the change. Everybody will accept that. Who cares? Let’s just pass this legislation. That’s how important it is.

And he's not the only one getting annoyed. Steve Schlickman, executive director of the RTA, was fired up in front of the Illinois House transit committee this afternoon.

It would be the worst thing to happen to transit in this region, in this state, and possibly this country if we allow [doomsday cuts] to happen. That is why I urge a 'yes' vote on the governor's (amendatory) veto.... We have worked on this for over a year. I quite frankly am getting tired of it because I am spending too much time on Springfield. Let's move forward.

And at least some legislators are considering amending Blago's proposed amendment so that only seniors who qualify for the Circuit Breaker program ride free. That program is designed to help seniors who are burdened by the "costs of property taxes and prescription medicines."

The House Mass Transit Committee voted this afternoon to pass the bill with Blago's ridin' with the oldies amendment, so it looks like tomorrow's the big day. Cross your fingers, etc. [S-T, Trib,CBS, AP]