SPRINGFIELD - Add this to the list of problems a tight state budget is causing: Some transit systems throughout Illinois haven't received the cash they're due from the state, leaving local officials wondering how to keep their buses running.

Without the state help, some local transit leaders might have to decide whether to borrow money, cut services or find some other solution in order to keep their fleets operating.

Last month, the Illinois Department of Transportation sent a letter to transit systems saying their next payment from the state could be delayed.

Illinois Department of Transportation spokeswoman Paris Ervin called the letter a "courtesy" to warn transit agencies of the state's financial problems.

"We have no idea when the payments might be coming," said Paul McChancy, administrator of mass transit in Decatur.

On Thursday, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes announced that the state was behind in paying $4 billion worth of bills and that payment could take 60 days. The transit bills fall in that category.

"It's a horrible situation," said Hynes spokeswoman Carol Knowles. "There are more demands than there are revenues."

mike.riopell@lee.net / (217) 789-0865