IL SR0241

Urges the Illinois Department of Transportation and High Speed Railroad Commission to develop a Statewide Integrated Network Plan combining high-speed rail and regional rail throughout Illinois.

Plan should identify desired service points and key transfer stations, create theoretical rail and bus schedules with timed transfers, and develop ridership and revenue models.

Plan must estimate needed infrastructure investments and develop a phased implementation schedule to expedite planning and construction while reducing capital expenses.

Recognizes that federal funds are currently available for rail network expansion and that a unified approach would create statewide benefits more quickly than isolated project planning.

Notes that Metra has committed to Regional Rail with memory schedules (consistent hourly arrival and departure times) that would serve as foundation for future 220 mph high-speed service.