As the deadline looms, Illinois state lawmakers are racing against time to evaluate vital legislation aimed at reforming the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and addressing the pressing financial struggles of transit agencies across the region.
Late Wednesday, lawmakers introduced a proposal to rename the RTA to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, granting it enhanced powers over the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace.
Among the proposed reforms are the establishment of a universal fare system, a dedicated police force, and a new transit ambassador program intended to improve service and safety.
Senator Ram Villivalam’s bill seeks to address the financial woes plaguing the transit agencies, which are facing a staggering $770 million fiscal cliff. His proposal includes tax measures that could generate significant revenue while lawmakers continue to debate funding necessity and governance reform.
However, time is short.
The Illinois General Assembly’s spring session concludes on Saturday, and without timely legislation, transit agencies risk severe service reductions, which could ultimately devastate public transportation access for many residents.
Past discussions have revealed deep concerns from transit advocates, labor unions, and agency leaders regarding the future sustainability of the region’s transit systems.
The RTA has urged state lawmakers not only to resolve the immediate budget shortfall but also to invest an additional $1.5 billion annually in operating funds to foster system improvement.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his belief in the necessity of governance reform for the transit system, which has struggled in the pandemic’s aftermath.
Pritzker also supports efforts to achieve full fare integration among the CTA, Metra, and Pace.
He emphasized, “What we really need is to uplift the entire system, make it safe for everybody to ride, get to work, go to school, get home safely.”
“This is hyper-important to me because you can’t put money into something that doesn’t guarantee reliability at the outset,” he stated firmly.
Alongside Villivalam’s ambitious proposal, a separate bill introduced by Representative Eva-Dina Delgado prioritizes governance reform without providing solutions to the funding crisis. Her bill proposes that the board of the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority consist of 20 directors, with five members appointed by the governor, the Cook County Board president, and the mayor of Chicago, while the remaining counties in the region would appoint one member each.
Villivalam’s legislation takes a different approach by proposing a 10 percent tax on rideshare trips throughout Chicago, Cook County, and surrounding collar counties to help generate funds.
Additionally, drivers utilizing the Illinois Tollway system could incur a 50-cent surcharge, limited to a maximum of $1 per day, also earmarked for public transportation support.
Moreover, the new transit authority would implement a real estate transfer tax at a rate of up to $1.50 for every $500. According to an analysis from Crain’s Chicago Business, these proposed taxes and surcharges could potentially raise nearly $600 million annually.
Another speculative tax program, not currently included in the bill, could contribute an extra $742 million to the agency’s revenues.
RTA spokesperson Tina Fassett Smith indicated the agency is thoroughly reviewing the reform legislation.
However, she stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for legislators to secure funding by Saturday to avert drastic service cuts.
Without legislative action, the RTA warned that a budget gap of $770 million could lead to a staggering 40 percent reduction in services, affecting one in five Chicagoans by 2026.
Metra has opted not to comment as it is still evaluating the legislative proposals, while both the CTA and Pace have yet to respond to inquiries.
The proposed reforms represent a culmination of various elements previously discussed, including a bill that would create a super agency known as the Metropolitan Mobility Authority and a labor-friendly initiative dubbed the United We Move bill.
The Labor Alliance for Public Transportation—comprised of over 30 Illinois unions advocating for enhanced safety and efficiency within the transit system—has voiced its support for governance reform.
However, there are significant concerns regarding the absence of new revenue streams for public transit within the current proposals. Activists argue that reallocating tollway dollars is not a sustainable solution.
Tim Drea, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO, remarked, “From day one, we have advocated for a comprehensive proposal that revitalizes public transit in northeastern Illinois, ensuring the long-term financial health of our transit systems and infrastructure.”
Drea expressed optimism about some of the reforms that aim to create a more reliable system but lamented that the current legislative framework does not adequately tackle the funding challenges that must be addressed to operationalize these reforms.
For bus operator Tiffany Rebb, who has been with the CTA for seven years, the looming budget crisis is a personal concern. She has been informed that layoffs may commence as early as June if the budget shortfall remains unaddressed.
“The implications will be severe, affecting not only employees but also the riders,” Rebb indicated.
She warned that shortages of operators could lead to packed buses, straining the system’s capacity.
“People in wheelchairs will find access tougher; streets will be more congested, and commuters will have to leave much earlier than necessary. It will be a disaster.”
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/30/cuts-to-cta-could-begin-soon-if-state-doesnt-fill-770-million-budget-gap/
