MPC Transportation Director Participates in Learning Tour

Photo via CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman
In December 2024, a delegation of Illinois state representatives visited Germany to tour transit systems in and between Berlin and Munich. These two cities were cited in an action plan issued by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning as successful case studies which could be used to improve Chicago-area transit. Senior Director Audrey Wennink took part, noting that the purpose of the trip was to inspire Illinois decision-makers to aim for creating world-class transit.
“It Was Magnificent”: Illinois legislators take a learning tour of Berlin and Munich transit systems
By Sharon Hoyer, StreetsBlog Chicago
January 10, 2025
This article provides additional context to the tour, with key takeaways from the trip, comments from Wennink and comparisons between Chicago and German transit systems.
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The December 2024 Germany learning tour provided Illinois decision-makers and transportation-advocates a firsthand experience of the kind of transit experience the notable Berlin and Munich models deliver. Knowledge gained from this trip may come into play as the future of CTA, Metra, Pace, and RTA are debated in Springfield this year. Wennink was quoted in this January 2025 Chicago Tribune article that discusses the budget gap that could lead to massive service cuts and fare hikes.