Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HB3166

LRB104 10752 LNS 20831 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB3166

Introduced 2/18/2025, by Rep. Martin J. Moylan

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 2705/2705-442 new

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Transportation to create an intercity bus program. Provides that the Department shall plan for and implement intercity bus routes that (i) add missing frequencies to existing passenger rail routes, (ii) begin frequent departures throughout the day in advance of Amtrak service, and (iii) add smaller towns into the network. Requires bus schedules to be coordinated with intercity and commuter trains so that passengers can conveniently connect between buses and trains. Provides that passengers shall be able to purchase a single ticket for journeys combining intercity buses and intercity trains. Provides that bus-only tickets shall be available for purchase from the same ticketing system used by intercity trains. Allows the Department to implement the program by (i) contracting directly with intercity bus carriers through competitive bids, (ii) contracting through Amtrak's Thruway bus program, or (iii) contract directly with a local transit authority within the State.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Section 2705-442 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2705/2705-442 new)

Sec. 2705-442. Intercity bus program. The Department shall create an intercity bus program with the purpose of connecting the State with quality, affordable travel options that allow people to travel to any part of the State without driving. The Department shall plan for and implement intercity bus routes that (i) add missing frequencies to existing passenger rail routes, (ii) begin frequent departures throughout the day in advance of Amtrak service, and (iii) add smaller towns into the network.

Bus schedules shall be coordinated with intercity and commuter trains so that passengers can conveniently connect between buses and trains. Passengers shall be able to purchase a single ticket for journeys combining intercity buses and intercity trains. Bus-only tickets shall be available for purchase from the same ticketing system used by intercity trains.

The Department may implement the program by (i) contracting directly with intercity bus carriers through competitive bids, (ii) contracting through Amtrak's Thruway bus program, or (iii) contract directly with a local transit authority within the State.