IL SB1594

Merges the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) into the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to streamline governance and regional transportation planning in northeastern Illinois (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties).

Increases CMAP Board from 15 to 16 voting members and adds a non-voting member from Kendall County; requires CMAP to serve as the governing body of the RTA and assume all RTA powers, duties, and bonded indebtedness.

Requires CMAP to merge RTA staff and operations within 8 months and directs CMAP Board to develop legislation by January 1, 2015 addressing funding allocation, capital programs, employee transfers, and elimination of duplicate functions between RTA and CMAP.

Establishes a Transit Executive Council within CMAP consisting of 6 members representing the Chicago Transit Authority and commuter rail and suburban bus divisions to review transit matters and conduct funding studies every 5 years.

Mandates CMAP develop and implement by July 1, 2015 a plan to increase public transit use in the region and requires RTA administrative expenses to be reduced by 50% in the second fiscal year following the effective date.