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Automotive and Transportation
Source : (remove) : Chicago Sun-Times
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Automotive and Transportation
Source : (remove) : Chicago Sun-Times
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Illinois Lawmakers Race to Avert Transit Crisis for CTA, Metra, Pace

Illinois Lawmakers Push for Transit Overhaul Amid Looming Fiscal Crisis for CTA, Metra, and Pace

In a critical juncture for public transportation in the Chicago region, Illinois legislators in Springfield are grappling with comprehensive reforms aimed at averting a fiscal cliff that threatens the solvency of the area's major transit agencies: the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace. The push comes as these systems face mounting deficits projected to reach billions of dollars by 2026, exacerbated by lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, sluggish ridership recovery, and escalating operational costs. Without decisive action, experts warn of drastic service cuts, fare hikes, and potential system-wide disruptions that could ripple through the economy, affecting commuters, businesses, and urban development.

The fiscal cliff stems from the expiration of federal emergency funding that has propped up transit budgets since 2020. During the height of the pandemic, ridership plummeted by as much as 80% across CTA bus and rail lines, Metra's commuter trains, and Pace's suburban bus services. While some recovery has occurred—ridership is now hovering around 70-80% of pre-pandemic levels—the agencies continue to hemorrhage money. The CTA alone anticipates a $500 million shortfall in its operating budget next year, with Metra and Pace facing combined deficits nearing $300 million. These gaps are driven by factors like inflation-fueled labor costs, supply chain issues for parts and vehicles, and a shift toward remote work that has permanently altered commuting patterns. Advocates argue that without sustainable funding, the region risks undoing decades of progress in building a reliable transit network that serves over 1.5 million daily riders and supports economic hubs from downtown Chicago to suburban employment centers.

At the heart of the Springfield discussions is a bipartisan effort to reform the governance and funding structures of these agencies, which operate under the umbrella of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Lawmakers are debating a package of bills that would consolidate certain administrative functions, streamline operations, and introduce new revenue streams to replace the patchwork of local sales taxes, fares, and sporadic state grants that currently fund the systems. One key proposal involves creating a unified "super agency" by merging elements of CTA, Metra, and Pace, a move proponents say could eliminate redundancies and save up to $100 million annually in overhead. Critics, however, including some suburban representatives, fear this could dilute local control and prioritize urban needs over rural or exurban routes.

Funding reforms are equally contentious. Legislators are eyeing a mix of options, including increasing the state's motor fuel tax allocation for transit, imposing congestion pricing on downtown roadways, and expanding real estate transfer taxes in high-density areas. There's also talk of tapping into casino revenues or legalizing new forms of gaming to generate dedicated transit funds. Governor J.B. Pritzker has signaled support for these measures, emphasizing in recent statements that robust public transit is essential for Illinois' economic competitiveness, environmental goals, and equity in underserved communities. "We can't afford to let our transit systems falter," Pritzker remarked during a recent press conference. "This is about jobs, clean air, and connecting people to opportunities."

Transit advocates, including groups like the Active Transportation Alliance and the Metropolitan Planning Council, have been vocal in Springfield, lobbying for reforms that go beyond mere bailouts. They push for investments in modernization, such as electrifying bus fleets, expanding rapid transit lines, and improving accessibility for riders with disabilities. Environmentalists highlight the role of transit in reducing carbon emissions, noting that Chicago's system already prevents millions of car trips annually. Labor unions representing transit workers, meanwhile, are advocating for protections against job losses in any merger scenario, stressing the need for fair wages amid rising living costs.

Opposition to the reforms is multifaceted. Suburban lawmakers, particularly from collar counties, argue that funding formulas unfairly burden their constituents, who rely more on Metra and Pace than the CTA's urban core. "Why should DuPage County taxpayers foot the bill for Chicago's L trains?" one Republican senator questioned during committee hearings. Business groups, while supportive of transit's economic benefits, express concerns over new taxes that could stifle growth. Additionally, fiscal conservatives in the General Assembly warn that without strict accountability measures, new funds could be mismanaged, pointing to past scandals involving RTA oversight.

The legislative session has seen intense negotiations, with amendments flying as deadlines approach. A compromise bill, dubbed the Transit Sustainability Act, has gained traction. It proposes a $2 billion infusion over five years, funded partly by redirecting a portion of the state's infrastructure budget and introducing a modest ride-sharing surcharge. The bill also mandates performance metrics, such as on-time rates and ridership targets, to ensure accountability. If passed, it could stabilize operations and enable expansions like extending the CTA's Red Line south or adding more frequent Metra service to underserved suburbs.

Experts underscore the broader implications. A report from the Civic Federation estimates that transit shortfalls could lead to 20-30% service reductions, forcing more people onto congested roads and increasing traffic fatalities. Economically, the Chicago region could lose billions in productivity, with low-income and minority communities hit hardest, as they depend disproportionately on public transit for access to jobs, healthcare, and education. "This isn't just about buses and trains; it's about the fabric of our society," said one urban planning professor interviewed for the piece.

As the session winds down, all eyes are on Springfield. Passage of meaningful reforms could mark a turning point, positioning Illinois as a leader in innovative transit policy. Failure, however, might precipitate a crisis that echoes the financial woes of other U.S. cities like New York and San Francisco. With the fiscal cliff looming in 2026, the stakes couldn't be higher for the millions who rely on CTA, Metra, and Pace to keep the region moving.

Read the Full Chicago Sun-Times Article at:
[ https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2025/06/02/transit-reform-springfield-cta-metra-pace-fiscal-cliff ]