{"id":6976,"date":"2024-12-18T15:57:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T23:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/?p=6976"},"modified":"2026-03-04T07:54:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:54:24","slug":"illinois-delegation-explores-germanys-transit-association-model","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/en\/news\/illinois-delegation-explores-germanys-transit-association-model\/","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Delegation Explores Germany\u2019s Transit Association Model"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-grid  layout-grid layout-grid--outer-margin-large layout-grid--expanded\"><div class=\"grid grid--child-margin-large\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-6-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\"><nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\"><ul class=\"breadcrumbs__inner\"><li><a class=\"breadcrumbs__home\" href=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/en\/\" aria-label=\"Link Home\"><svg class=\"breadcrumbs__home-icon\"><use xlink:href=\"#home\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a><svg class=\"breadcrumbs__delimiter\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-arrow-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/li><li><a data-is-distributor=\"true\" href=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/en\/news-insights\/news\/\">News<\/a> <svg class=\"breadcrumbs__delimiter\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-arrow-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/li><li><span class=\"breadcrumbs__actual-page\" aria-current=\"page\">Illinois Delegation Explores Germany\u2019s Transit Association Model<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/nav>\n\n<div class=\"available-categories\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-grid  layout-grid layout-grid--outer-margin-small layout-grid--expanded\"><div class=\"grid grid--child-margin-small\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-3-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Illinois Delegation Explores Germany\u2019s Transit Association Model<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><sub><sub>December 18, 2024<\/sub><\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-sub-headline\"><p class=\"sub-headline\">From December 8\u201312, 2024, a delegation of 25 participants, including Illinois legislators, labor representatives, environmental advocates, and transit officials, traveled to Germany to study Germany\u2019s transport association model and identify strategies to improve transit in the Chicago region.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-2-medium is-offset-left-1-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\"><div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-social-sharing\"><div class=\"social-sharing\" data-subject=\"Here is an article for you: [TITLE] - DB E.C.O. North America Inc.\" data-recipient=\"\" data-body=\"Here is an article by DB E.C.O. North America Inc. for you: [TITLE] - DB E.C.O. North America Inc. at [LINK]\"><span class=\"social-sharing__label\">Share on<\/span><div class=\"social-sharing__links\"><a class=\"social-sharing__link social-sharing__link--linkedin\" href=\"\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Link LinkedIn\"><svg class=\"social-sharing__icon\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-linked-in\"\/><\/svg><\/a><a class=\"social-sharing__link social-sharing__link--mail\" href=\"\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Link Mail\"><svg class=\"social-sharing__icon\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-mail\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"contact-person\"><h3 class=\"contact-person__name\">Headquarters<\/h3><div class=\"contact-person__address\">32451 Golden Lantern, Suite 306<br \/>\r\nLaguna Niguel, CA 92677<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nMailing Address:<br \/>\r\n901 H St., Suite 120, PMB 328<br \/>\r\nSacramento, CA 95814<\/div><a class=\"contact-person__link-communication\" href=\"mailto:info@db-eco.us\"><svg class=\"contact-person__icon-mail\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-mail\"><\/use><\/svg><span>E-Mail<\/span><\/a><a class=\"contact-person__link-communication\" href=\"tel:+1 916 562 1848\"><svg class=\"contact-person__icon-phone\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-phone\"><\/use><\/svg><span>+1 916 562 1848<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-3-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-gallery undefined--expanded\" data-delay=\"4\" data-auto-swipe=\"false\"><div class=\"gallery gallery--bullets-outside gallery--static\"><div class=\"glide\"><div class=\"glide__track\" data-glide-el=\"track\"><ul class=\"glide__slides\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-slide-image  glide__slide\"><figure class=\"slide-image slide-image--ratio-3-2\"><div class=\"slide-image__wrapper-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"slide-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi2.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi2-520x390.jpg 520w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi2-768x576.jpg 768w\" alt=\"Delegation Group photo at Brandenburger Gate in Berlin by night\" width=\"1100\" height=\"825\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 1330px) calc(((1200px - 35px * 5) * (3 \/ 6)) + (35px * (3 - 1))), (min-width: 768px) calc((((100vw - 130px) - 35px * 5) * (3 \/ 6)) + (35px * (3 - 1))), calc(100vw - 60px)\"\/><button class=\"enlarge-image\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lightbox\" aria-label=\"Delegation group photo at Brandenburger Gate in Berlin by night \u2014 enlarge image\"><template data-name=\"lightbox-content\"><div class=\"lightbox-image\"><div class=\"lightbox-image__image\" style=\"background-image:url(&quot;https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi2.jpg&quot;)\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Delegation group photo at Brandenburger Gate in Berlin by night\"><\/div><div class=\"lightbox-image__caption\"><span>Delegation group photo at Brandenburger Gate in Berlin by night<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/template><\/button><div class=\"label-reference\" data-image-reference=\"<p&gt;Delegation Group photo at Brandenburger Gate in Berlin by night<\/p&gt;\n\"><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"slide-image__caption\">Delegation group photo at Brandenburger Gate in Berlin by night<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"glide__footer\"><div class=\"glide__play-pause\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"glide__play-pause-button\" aria-label=\"play\/pause automatic swipe\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"controls__icon-pause\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-pause\" \/><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"controls__icon-play\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-play-small\" \/><\/svg><\/button><\/div><div class=\"glide__bullets\" data-glide-el=\"controls[nav]\"><button class=\"glide__bullet\" aria-label=\"Go to slide 1\" data-glide-dir=\"=0\"><div class=\"glide__touch-target\" aria-hidden=\"true\">.<\/div><\/button><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-grid  layout-grid layout-grid--outer-margin-small layout-grid--expanded\"><div class=\"grid grid--child-margin-small\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-6-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\">\n<p>The visit came in response to the significant challenges facing Illinois\u2019 public transit where ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, and the agency faces a $730 million budget deficit. The delegation was in search of potential solutions to improve Chicago\u2019s fragmented transit system by examining Germany\u2019s successful integration of urban, suburban, and regional transit networks. Germany\u2019s regional transit associations synchronize operations, fares, and service planning, offering a compelling public transportation model. Germany\u2019s systems prioritize seamless coordination, regional governance, and a customer-centric approach and integrates fare systems \u2013 principles that Illinois could adopt to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and the overall passenger experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-grid  layout-grid layout-grid--outer-margin-large layout-grid--expanded\"><div class=\"grid grid--child-margin-large\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-3-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-gallery undefined--expanded\" data-delay=\"4\" data-auto-swipe=\"false\"><div class=\"gallery gallery--bullets-outside gallery--static\"><div class=\"glide\"><div class=\"glide__track\" data-glide-el=\"track\"><ul class=\"glide__slides\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-slide-image  glide__slide\"><figure class=\"slide-image slide-image--ratio-3-2\"><div class=\"slide-image__wrapper-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"slide-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Illi6-rotated.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Illi6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Illi6-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Illi6-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Illi6-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Illi6-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Illi6-520x390.jpg 520w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Illi6-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Illi6-1280x960.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Illi6-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" alt=\"Round Table \u201cStructure of Public Transport in Germany\u201d focusing on Munich with experts from the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV), S-Bahn Munich and the Bavarian State Ministry\" width=\"2032\" height=\"1524\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 1330px) 1200px, (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 130px), calc(100vw - 60px)\"\/><div class=\"label-reference\" data-image-reference=\"<p&gt;Round Table \u201cStructure of Public Transport in Germany\u201d focusing on Munich with experts from the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV), S-Bahn Munich and the Bavarian State Ministry<\/p&gt;\n\"><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"slide-image__caption\">Round Table \u201cStructure of Public Transport in Germany\u201d focusing on Munich with experts from the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV), S-Bahn Munich and the Bavarian State Ministry.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"glide__footer\"><div class=\"glide__play-pause\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"glide__play-pause-button\" aria-label=\"play\/pause automatic swipe\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"controls__icon-pause\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-pause\" \/><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"controls__icon-play\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-play-small\" \/><\/svg><\/button><\/div><div class=\"glide__bullets\" data-glide-el=\"controls[nav]\"><button class=\"glide__bullet\" aria-label=\"Go to slide 1\" data-glide-dir=\"=0\"><div class=\"glide__touch-target\" aria-hidden=\"true\">.<\/div><\/button><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-3-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-text  wp-block-dbec-core-layout-text--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column layout-column--text\">\n<p>The delegation\u2019s journey began in Munich, where attendees experienced transit-oriented mobility firsthand by traveling from the airport to their hotel via the S-Bahn network. This experience highlighted Munich\u2019s integrated transit solutions. The delegation visited Munich\u2019s Second Trunk Line project; a key infrastructure initiative aimed at increasing rail capacity in Munich. Munich\u2019s Transport and Tariff Association (MVV) slogan \u201cone network, one timetable, one ticket\u201d highlights how Munich\u2019s transit system and its customers benefit from a unified approach that balances the needs of urban and regional areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trip also highlighted the importance of collaboration between transit development, environmental sustainability, and labor interests. Key representatives, such as Jennifer Walling of the Illinois Environmental Council and Marc Poulos of the International Union of Operating Engineers, emphasized the need to align on projects like thermal energy networks and infrastructure electrification.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><br>The Illinois delegation came away from the trip with several key insights that could help address the challenges faced by the state\u2019s transit systems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-grid  layout-grid layout-grid--outer-margin-large layout-grid--expanded\"><div class=\"grid grid--child-margin-large\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-3-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-gallery undefined--expanded\" data-delay=\"4\" data-auto-swipe=\"false\"><div class=\"gallery gallery--bullets-outside\"><div class=\"glide\"><div class=\"glide__track\" data-glide-el=\"track\"><ul class=\"glide__slides\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-slide-image  glide__slide\"><figure class=\"slide-image slide-image--ratio-3-2\"><div class=\"slide-image__wrapper-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"slide-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi4-rotated.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi4-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi4-520x390.jpg 520w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi4-768x576.jpg 768w\" alt=\"Presentation of Munich Second Trunk Line\" width=\"1032\" height=\"774\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 1330px) 1200px, (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 130px), calc(100vw - 60px)\"\/><div class=\"label-reference\" data-image-reference=\"<p&gt;Presentation of Munich Second Trunk Line<\/p&gt;\n\"><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"slide-image__caption\">Insights of Munich&#8217;s Second Trunk Line Project<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-slide-image  glide__slide\"><figure class=\"slide-image slide-image--ratio-3-2\"><div class=\"slide-image__wrapper-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"slide-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi5.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi5-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi5-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi5-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi5-520x391.jpg 520w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi5-768x577.jpg 768w\" alt=\"Group commuting from Potsdam to Berlin\" width=\"1106\" height=\"831\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 1330px) 1200px, (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 130px), calc(100vw - 60px)\"\/><div class=\"label-reference\" data-image-reference=\"<p&gt;Group commuting from Potsdam to Berlin<\/p&gt;\n\"><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"slide-image__caption\">Attendees experienced transit-oriented mobility firsthand.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"glide__footer\"><div class=\"glide__play-pause\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"glide__play-pause-button\" aria-label=\"play\/pause automatic swipe\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"controls__icon-pause\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-pause\" \/><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"controls__icon-play\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-play-small\" \/><\/svg><\/button><\/div><div class=\"glide__bullets\" data-glide-el=\"controls[nav]\"><button class=\"glide__bullet\" aria-label=\"Go to slide 1\" data-glide-dir=\"=0\"><div class=\"glide__touch-target\" aria-hidden=\"true\">.<\/div><\/button><button class=\"glide__bullet\" aria-label=\"Go to slide 2\" data-glide-dir=\"=1\"><div class=\"glide__touch-target\" aria-hidden=\"true\">.<\/div><\/button><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-3-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-text  wp-block-dbec-core-layout-text--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column layout-column--text\">\n<p><strong>Governance and Integration<\/strong>: Germany\u2019s regional transit associations streamline decision making and balance urban and regional needs. Illinois could greatly benefit from adopting a similar structure to mitigate the fragmentation caused by overlapping transit agencies, allowing for more effective coordination and planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Funding Models<\/strong>: In Germany, transit agencies fund about 40% of operations through fares, with the remainder supported by public funding, typically over multi-year periods. This stable funding model enables long-term planning and infrastructure investment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-grid  layout-grid layout-grid--outer-margin-large layout-grid--expanded\"><div class=\"grid grid--child-margin-large\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-3-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-text  wp-block-dbec-core-layout-text--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column layout-column--text\">\n<p><strong>Environmental Sustainability<\/strong>: Germany\u2019s transit systems are built with sustainability in mind, and a safe, efficient, reliable transit network reduces highway emissions by supporting more \u201cmodeshift\u201d from car trips to transit trips. Germany\u2019s significant investments include electrified rail, hydrogen-powered trains, and integrated ticketing systems. Illinois could draw inspiration from these initiatives to modernize its transit infrastructure and reduce emissions. Additionally, Germany\u2019s focus on reducing emissions aligns with global sustainability goals, something Illinois can integrate into its long-term transit strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Customer-Centric Design<\/strong>: Germany places a strong emphasis on creating user-friendly experiences for transit riders, with a \u201cone network, one timetable, one ticket\u201d goal for transit operations. Intuitive mobile apps, user friendly systems, and accessible infrastructure contribute to high customer satisfaction. By adopting similar approaches, Illinois could attract more diverse riders and improve convenience for everyday commuters.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-3-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-gallery undefined--expanded\" data-delay=\"4\" data-auto-swipe=\"false\"><div class=\"gallery gallery--bullets-outside gallery--static\"><div class=\"glide\"><div class=\"glide__track\" data-glide-el=\"track\"><ul class=\"glide__slides\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-slide-image  glide__slide\"><figure class=\"slide-image slide-image--ratio-3-2\"><div class=\"slide-image__wrapper-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"slide-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi3.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi3-520x693.jpg 520w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Illi3-768x1024.jpg 768w\" alt=\"Paul explain the train schedules at Berlin Central Station\" width=\"936\" height=\"1248\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 1330px) 1200px, (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 130px), calc(100vw - 60px)\"\/><div class=\"label-reference\" data-image-reference=\"<p&gt;Paul explain the train schedules at Berlin Central Station<\/p&gt;\n\"><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"slide-image__caption\">Paul Lewis, Principal DB E.C.O. North America presents the service schedules for planned arrivals and departures of various train types at Berlin Central Station<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"glide__footer\"><div class=\"glide__play-pause\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"glide__play-pause-button\" aria-label=\"play\/pause automatic swipe\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"controls__icon-pause\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-pause\" \/><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"controls__icon-play\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-play-small\" \/><\/svg><\/button><\/div><div class=\"glide__bullets\" data-glide-el=\"controls[nav]\"><button class=\"glide__bullet\" aria-label=\"Go to slide 1\" data-glide-dir=\"=0\"><div class=\"glide__touch-target\" aria-hidden=\"true\">.<\/div><\/button><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8220;This trip was not merely about observing best practices but about returning with transformative ideas<br>for Illinois\u2019 transit and infrastructure.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tom Kotarac, Civil Comittee of the Commercial Club of Chicago<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Illinois Delegation Trip went beyond observing best practices; it served as a platform for meaningful transatlantic exchange and inspired participants to return with transformative ideas for advancing Illinois\u2019 transit systems and infrastructure. DB E.C.O. North America extends its sincere thanks to all attendees and Deutsche Bahn colleagues for sharing their time, expertise, and insights throughout the week.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-grid  layout-grid layout-grid--outer-margin-large layout-grid--expanded\"><div class=\"grid grid--child-margin-large animated-base-cards\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-layout-column  column is-6-small is-6-medium column--expanded\"><div class=\"layout-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-text-image-teaser  text-image-teaser--align-image-right\"><div class=\"text-image-teaser text-image-teaser--align-image-right text-image-teaser--fade-in-animated\"><div class=\"grid\"><div class=\"column is-6-small is-4-medium text-image-teaser__column-image\"><div class=\"text-image-teaser__wrapper-media\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dbec-core-figure\"><figure class=\"figure\"><div class=\"figure__inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"figure__image\" src=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-300x122.jpg 300w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-1024x417.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-768x313.jpg 768w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-1536x626.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-2048x834.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-520x212.jpg 520w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-768x313.jpg 768w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-1280x521.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/db-eco.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Deutsche-Bahn-AG-Axel-Hartmann_2-1920x782.jpg 1920w\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1043\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 1330px) 1200px, (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 130px), calc(100vw - 60px)\"\/><div class=\"label-reference\" data-image-reference=\"<p&gt;Axel Hartmann\/Deutsche Bahn AG<\/p&gt;\n\"><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column is-6-small is-2-medium text-image-teaser__column-text\"><div class=\"text-image-teaser__container-text\"><h2 class=\"text-image-teaser__headline\">More News<\/h2><p class=\"text-image-teaser__copy\">Click here to get back to the News Overview:<\/p><a class=\"base-button base-button--ghost\" href=\"https:\/\/db-eco.us\/en\/news-insights\/news\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"base-button__label\">News<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From December 8\u201312, 2024, a delegation of 25 participants, including Illinois legislators, labor representatives, environmental advocates, and transit officials, traveled to Germany to study Germany\u2019s transport association model and identify strategies to improve transit in the Chicago region.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":7028,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"allow-other-domains":"0"},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Illinois Delegation Explores Germany\u2019s Transit Association Model - DB E.C.O. 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