Regional Transportation Authority Chicago financial cuts

Chicago’s public transit system, operated by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), is facing significant financial cuts due to the expiration of COVID-era federal funding. Without new funding from the state, the RTA is projecting a $770 million budget shortfall for 2026, potentially leading to a 40% reduction in service across CTA, Metra, and Pace, and potentially 3,000 job losses.

Regional Transportation Authority Chicago financial cuts

Service Reductions: A 40% cut in service would mean significant reductions in bus and train frequency and potentially the elimination of some routes, particularly impacting the CTA.

Job Losses: Thousands of transit jobs could be eliminated, affecting both the agencies and the regional economy.

Reduced Access: It’s estimated that one in five Chicagoans would lose access to public transit if these cuts occur.

Impact on Chicago: The CTA would face the most drastic changes, with potential shutdowns of half the “L” lines and nearly 60% of bus routes, affecting half a million Chicagoans, according to the RTA.

Economic Impact: Reduced access to public transit could have a significant negative impact on the regional economy, affecting commuters and businesses.

Metra: Cuts to Metra could take five or more years to undo, according to the RTA, and could mean elimination of early morning and late evening service.

Pace: Pace could see the elimination of all weekend bus service.

Possible Solutions:

State Funding: The RTA is advocating for a $1.5 billion annual operating funding increase from the state and local sources.
Transit Reforms: The RTA has proposed reforms to increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability across the transit system to maximize the impact of any new funding.
Community Engagement: The RTA has committed to rigorous public engagement and analysis before making any final decisions, including public hearings.

Current Situation:

Planning for cuts would begin immediately if a funding solution is not secured.

Illinois lawmakers passed a budget without addressing the RTA’s funding shortfall.

The RTA is now facing a $770 million budget gap for 2026.