Chicago’s public transportation system is on the brink of a significant crisis, as the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has reported a staggering $771 million budget shortfall for the 2026 fiscal year.
Officials warn that if additional state funding is not secured within the next six weeks, the region could face draconian cuts of up to 40% in public transit services.
This alarming situation could lead to one in five Chicago workers losing access to essential bus and train services, which are vital for commuting to work and other daily activities.
Kirk Dillard, chairman of the RTA Board of Directors, described the impending transit funding crisis as “cataclysmic,” highlighting the unprecedented scale of the issue within mass transit history.
The potential cuts would dramatically affect the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace lines, which serve not only the city but also the surrounding suburbs.
RTA officials noted that the drastic reduction in services could mean the suspension of partial or complete service on at least four of the eight CTA train lines and the closure or slashing of services to over 50 stations.
Furthermore, up to 74 of the current 127 bus routes may be eliminated, displacing around 500,000 CTA riders who would lose access to a nearby bus stop.
The economic repercussions of these cuts could be severe, with nearly 3,000 transit workers facing layoffs, resulting in an estimated loss of $2.6 billion in wages annually.
This loss of income would not only strangle the livelihoods of transit employees but also exacerbate congestion and hinder mobility across the region.
In response to this staffing crisis, RTA officials expressed concerns that Chicago’s public transit system could shrink to fewer bus routes than smaller cities such as Madison, Wisconsin, and Kansas City.
To galvanize public support and pressure legislators into action, the RTA has launched the “Save Transit Now” campaign.
This initiative aims to raise awareness about the gravity of the situation and prompt Chicago residents to reach out to their state representatives to advocate for necessary funding.
In an effort to facilitate dialogue, the RTA Board of Directors will hold its next meeting on May 15 at 9 a.m. at 175 W. Jackson Blvd.
Community members are encouraged to attend and can email [email protected] to comment at the meeting, provided they submit their request by noon the day prior.
Meanwhile, alders in Chicago City Council are also grappling with legislative matters pertaining to the Green Social Housing Ordinance, aimed at alleviating the city’s affordable housing crisis.
As federal funding remains uncertain, the ordinance proposes the establishment of an independent non-profit entity responsible for creating energy-efficient, mixed-income developments containing permanently affordable housing.
Joint committees on Housing & Real Estate and Finance have convened multiple times but remain divided on specific details regarding the governance and oversight of the proposed non-profit.
Recent amendments were made to allay some of these concerns, specifically requiring the non-profit to cooperate with the Chicago Office of the Inspector General in any investigations, audits, or reviews.
Inspector General Deborah Witzburg noted that this amendment helps address certain accountability issues, but questions regarding enforcement of the city’s ethics rules still persist.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Ald. Nicole Lee has motioned to keep the ordinance within committee for further review, citing that many alders are not yet comfortable voting on the most recent substitute proposal.
Funding for this initiative is already earmarked through the 2024 Housing and Economic Development Bond, which set up a $135 million revolving loan fund designated for green social housing projects.
As Chicago grapples with potential transit cuts and housing needs, residents are urged to stay informed and engaged in local governance to advocate for sustainable solutions.
image source from：https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2025/4/23/chicagos-looming-transit-doomsday
