NW Illinois News

Illinois lawmakers have concluded their spring session without addressing the financial crisis facing Chicagoland's public transit system. Despite a Senate-backed proposal that would have provided over $1 billion in new funding, the House adjourned early Sunday without action due to controversy over proposed tax increases linked to the bill.

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which oversees the CTA, Metra, and Pace, is facing a projected $771 million annual shortfall. Without new revenue, RTA officials predict up to 40% in service cuts, affecting thousands of daily riders.

Amalgamated Transit Union political director Clem Balanoff warned lawmakers at a recent hearing that thousands of union bus drivers and train operators could face layoffs if no solution is found.

The Senate's proposal aimed to close the funding gap through statewide taxes on deliveries, EV charging, and rideshares while expanding certain Chicago taxes to Cook County and surrounding suburbs.

RTA agencies are preparing their 2026 budgets with only guaranteed funding included. RTA spokesperson Tina Fassett Smith highlighted the tight timeline and growing uncertainty.

Beyond funding issues, major decisions about transit system governance, reform, and sustainability remain unresolved. While House Republicans are open to structural reforms in governance, they resist new revenue measures amid a challenging state budget environment.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie emphasized that transit reform is essential but cautioned against simply increasing spending without real solutions.