Duckworth, Durbin, Illinois Congressional Delegation Announce Over $68 Million for Accessible Transportation Upgrades

September 09, 2026 Duckworth, Durbin, Illinois Congressional Delegation Announce Over $68 Million for Accessible Transportation Upgrades [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL-2), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-3), Jesús “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL-4), Mike Quigley (D-IL-5), Sean Casten (D-IL-6), Danny Davis (D-IL-7) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9) announced that several Illinois communities will receive federal funding to make transit accessible for all travelers, thanks to Duckworth’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced that Metra will receive a total of $68,192,000 in funding to help build ramps, install elevators and make other improvements to help ensure that the region’s stations and rail systems are finally usable for those with disabilities. “ Accessibility isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Senator Duckworth. “Everyone benefits from more ramps and elevators, and I’m proud to see this $68 million investment build on the progress we’ve made through my All Stations Accessibility Program to make our transit systems more accessible. Together, we’ll keep fighting for the resources our communities need to ensur e everyone can travel safely and efficiently.” “Public transit should be for everyone, but some transit stations in Illinois are still in need of the upgrades that make commuter rail accessible for all riders,” Senator Durbin said. “This $68 million federal investment into Illinois’ Metra stations, made possible by ASAP grants championed by the Illinois congressional delegation, will significantly improve ADA compliance and accessibility for every rider.” “Everyone deserves safe, equitable, and fully accessible public transportation,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL-2). “Securing more than $44.6 million for the 111th Street and Olympia Fields stations will help tear down physical barriers to transit access, making it easier for people with disabilities, seniors, and parents across Illinois' Second Congressional District get where they need to go.” “Investing in our infrastructure is an investment in the safety and well-being of our communities, the economic development of our region, and thriving futures for our families. I am excited to see $68,192,000 of federal funding coming to our communities to prioritize the safety and accessibility of public transportation for our neighbors with disabilities. THIS renovation is what our federal tax dollars should be funding projects by the community for the community,” said Congresswoman Ramirez (D-IL-3). “Throughout my career, I have fought to advance policies and decisions that help expand accessibility in Chicago's public transit system. I am proud that the $68 million in federal funds coming to Illinois are from the All Stations Accessibility Program, an initiative that Sen. Duckworth and I worked to include in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-4). “These funds will help ensure our public transit systems can better serve all riders in Illinois, particularly seniors and people with disabilities.” “Accessible transportation is equal transportation. Americans with disabilities deserve equal access to the same trains and same train stations their able-bodied neighbors use every day,” said Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL-5). “I’m thankful for Senator Duckworth’s work on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I’m excited to see this $68 million in federal funding improve transportation for Illinois residents statewide.” “I’m proud to see this federal funding come to Illinois that will help make our rail system more accessible for Illinoisans as they commute, travel, and connect with communities across the region,” said Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL-6). “Accessible public transportation is not a luxury—it is a fundamental part of ensuring that every person can fully participate in our communities,” said Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL-7). “I applaud Congress’ investment of more than $68 million to improve accessibility at Metra stations in Illinois. These improvements will make a meaningful difference for people with disabilities, seniors, and families who depend on public transportation. Federal investments like these strengthen our transportation infrastructure while advancing the basic principle that our public transit system should be accessible to everyone.” “Everyone deserves safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9). “These latest federal investments will help break down barriers for people with disabilities, seniors, and families in our communities who rely on public transit. I’m grateful to fight alongside so many champions for greater accessibility and to help ensure these resources reach Illinois communities. There is more work ahead, but thanks to the ASAP program, we are moving toward a transit system that truly works for everyone.” “Metra applauds Senator Duckworth and our congressional delegation for their exemplary leadership on securing this critical federal discretionary grant program to make transit accessible for everyone,” said Metra Executive Director and CEO Jim Derwinski. “This funding will make sure three legacy rail stations meet and exceed standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to upgrade critical transit accessibility infrastructure through the FTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) grant program. Improving these three Metra stations will help enhance connectivity in key corridors and the entire region, a key goal of the landmark and transformational Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act. Metra is appreciative of this critical federal funding that will help to usher in the new NITA era by enhancing the accessibility at these stations while making the entire transit experience in and around Northeastern Illinois more user-friendly. Metra was an early supporter of Senator Duckworth's ASAP Reauthorization Act and will continue to work with the Senator, her colleagues in Congress, and the Northern Illinois Transit Authority and other regional supporters to advocate for its passage in Congress.” The following transit stations have been awarded funding to improve accessibility, including: Metra’s Hubbard Woods Station Accessibility Renovation (Winnetka): $23,500,000 111th Street Station Accessibility at Pullman National Park (Chicago): $17,752,000 Metra’s Olympia Fields Station Accessibility Renovation (Olympia Fields): $26,940,000 As the ASAP program is set to expire at the end of this month, Duckworth joined U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) to introduce bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize the first-ever grant program dedicated to improving accessibility at public transit stations. Because of ASAP, Illinois has already received $185 million in funding for job-creating Chicago Transit Authority and Metra projects to build ramps, install elevators and make other improvements to make the region’s public transit system accessible. Before Senator Duckworth’s All Stations Accessibility Program was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more than 900 transit stations across the country still lacked basic ADA-compliant access. The ASAP Program invested $1.75 billion for transit systems to make essential upgrades, including installing elevators, accessible pathways and platform upgrades, and ensuring electronic ticketing, kiosks, notification systems, signage and mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities. With demand for ASAP funding far exceeding available resources, continued bipartisan investments are critical to ensuring transit systems are accessible from station platforms to the digital tools riders rely on. -30- Print Tweet Previous Article