State representatives and civic leaders yesterday pushed for increased transit funding in the wake of a new report that says public  trains and buses saved Northeastern Illinois commuters $723 million.

The report, released by the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, measures the economic and environmental impact of public transit in Illinois and across the country. It estimates public transit in Northeastern Illinois is responsible for saving 276 million gallons of gas, reducing air pollution and cutting traffic congestion.

According the report, the CTA provides the greatest savings for the region, saving consumers $474 million in gas expenses and reducing carbon emissions by 1.3 million tons.

"This report shows why it would be a mistake to not meet our transit infrastructure needs," says State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston).

"A capital funding bill would make it possible to keep our system in a state of good repair and also consider future expansions," says Hamos, chair of the House Mass Transit Committee.

Brian Imus, State Director with Illinois PIRG, agrees.

"Doing so is a key step toward 21st century transportation in Illinois," he says. "It's time lawmakers in Springfield stop dragging their feet and move Illinois forward with a capital bill that funds rehabilitation and new transit expansion projects."

Congressman Mark Kirk (10^th Dist.) says a transit funding bill would help the state garner billions of dollars in matching federal funds.

"If Springfield doesn't provide the needed $2.7 billion match, we could lose more than $4.1 billion in federal money to other states such as California, Pennsylvania and Florida," he says.

The report also estimated that, around the country, public transit saves 3.4 billion gallons of oil annually, preventing 541 million hours of traffic delay and reducing global warming pollution by 26 million tons.