Illinois Lawmakers Push for Hourly Train Service

New Passenger Rail Planning Act aims to expand and improve rail connectivity across the state and Midwest region.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Illinois lawmakers have introduced the Passenger Rail Planning Act, which would direct state transportation planners to include target service frequencies for hourly train service from Chicago to destinations across Illinois and the broader Midwest region. The bill itself does not mandate new construction or funding, but lays the groundwork for a more ambitious passenger rail network in the future.

Why it matters

Passenger rail service has been slowly expanding in Illinois in recent years, but some advocates believe the process is not moving fast enough. The Passenger Rail Planning Act is an effort to create a clearer vision and plan for high-frequency rail connections that could boost economic activity and transportation options across the state and region.

The details

The Passenger Rail Planning Act, introduced by State Representative Rita Mayfield and State Senator Ram Villivalam, would direct state transportation planners to include target service frequencies for hourly train service from Chicago to cities like Champaign, Peoria, Rockford, and beyond state borders to places like Omaha, Kansas City, Atlanta, and Toronto. The goal is to leverage Chicago's status as an economic hub and increase passenger traffic and revenue along these expanded rail corridors.

  • In 2025, provisions for new passenger rail lines from Chicago to Peoria and the Quad Cities were included in a $1.5 billion transit bill.
  • The Trump administration pulled billions in funding for rail projects in 2025, which has slowed progress on passenger rail expansion.

The players

Rita Mayfield

Illinois State Representative who introduced the Passenger Rail Planning Act.

Ram Villivalam

Illinois State Senator who co-introduced the Passenger Rail Planning Act.

Rick Harnish

Executive Director of the High Speed Rail Alliance, an advocacy group supporting expanded passenger rail service.

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What they’re saying

“What we're saying is, it is time now to design for success, to design for hourly service.”

— Rick Harnish, Executive Director, High Speed Rail Alliance (mystateline.com)

“This isn't about bringing us forward. It's about bringing us back to where we were. Passenger rail used to be the centerpiece for transportation across the country, and it's time we recognized the importance and dependability once again.”

— Rita Mayfield, Illinois State Representative (mystateline.com)

What’s next

The Passenger Rail Planning Act does not mandate any new construction or funding, but rather lays the groundwork for a more ambitious passenger rail network in the future by including target service frequencies in the state's existing rail plan and nominating corridors for inclusion in the federal government's rail development program.

The takeaway

While the vision for expanded hourly passenger rail service across Illinois and the Midwest region may not be realized anytime soon, the Passenger Rail Planning Act represents an important step in creating a clearer plan and vision that could help secure future funding and support from state and federal governments.