Overview of the Transit Overhaul
The Chicago area is embarking on a substantial regional transit overhaul. Today marks the implementation of landmark legislation aimed at averting service reductions for the CTA, Metra, and Pace. This new law is anticipated to generate approximately $1.5 billion annually for public transit.
The core message from Springfield lawmakers was ‘No funding without reform’ during debates over transit legislation last year.
Alongside financial provisions, the law reshapes the governance of the CTA, Metra, and Pace. The Regional Transportation Authority steps aside for a new entity, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. Lawmakers, who hastily passed the legislation last October, aim for enhanced coordination between transit agencies, ultimately improving bus and train services for riders. Today, the Regional Transportation Authority board is expected to vote on a 0.25 percentage point increase in the RTA sales tax in Cook County, adhering to the legislation.
Key Aspects of the Legislation
The legislation seeks to avert significant service reductions for the CTA, Metra, and Pace by ensuring about $1.5 billion yearly for public transit. Previously, the CTA warned of impending service cuts due to a significant budget gap caused by depleted federal pandemic aid and reduced ridership. Metra and Pace faced similar financial challenges soon.
With secured funding, transit agencies vow to maintain and even enhance train and bus services. The extensive legislation includes numerous new requirements, from minor details to larger-scale changes. For example, specifications for ‘bus shields’ to protect drivers are mandated, Metra is required to explore the option of extending the Metra Electric Line to Kankakee, and the CTA must open a Green Line station in Englewood.
Governance is notably restructured as the Northern Illinois Transit Authority replaces the RTA. This new authority is designed to enhance collaboration among transit agencies. The legislation leads to changes in the boards governing mass transit agencies, with all current board members’ terms ending on September 1, although they may be reappointed.
A significant change is the reduced influence of the Chicago mayor over the CTA’s leadership. Recently, Mayor Brandon Johnson attempted to appoint a permanent head for the CTA, which has been under interim leadership for more than a year, but the board has yet to act publicly.
Funding Mechanics
Lawmakers have agreed to redirect certain funds traditionally allocated for road projects to public transit. This includes $860 million from sales tax revenue on motor fuel and $200 million from interest on the state’s road fund. Additional revenue is expected from an increase in the sales tax, pending a vote by RTA board members. The redirection of funds from road projects is offset by a 45-cent toll increment on the Illinois Tollway.
What Riders Can Anticipate
Transit riders can look forward to no hikes in fare prices, enhanced law enforcement presence, and improvements in transit services this year. The CTA plans to introduce more frequent bus services on select routes and invest in mitigating slow zones, which should result in faster commutes across aging track sections.
Metra plans to add services to the Rock Island line, connecting downtown Chicago to Joliet. A substantial portion of the new funding is allocated for boosting law enforcement, especially within the CTA.