Illinois DOT maps out 'listening tour'

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has begun holding a series of public meetings throughout the state to identify infrastructure challenges and establish transportation-related priorities.

The meetings comprise the IDOT's "Listening Tour," which will result in a package of recommendations to be presented to Gov. Bruce Rauner for consideration this spring, department officials said.

In a press release, officials from Metra encouraged the public to attend and express support for increased funding for public transportation in the state.

"The regional transportation system is critically short of the money it needs to achieve and maintain a state of good repair," Metra officials said, noting that the railroad would only receive a fourth of its $11.7 billion capital needs over the next decade.