Story perspectives

Illinois Passes $1.5 Billion Transit Bill to Prevent Cuts

10/31/2025

Summary

Story summary

Illinois lawmakers passed a $1.5 billion transit funding bill on early Friday to prevent service cuts for the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace.
The legislation reallocates $860 million from motor fuel sales tax and $200 million from the Road Fund's interest to public transit.
It increases the Regional Transportation Authority sales tax by 0.25% in the Chicago area and raises tolls by 45 cents for passenger vehicles.
The new Northern Illinois Transit Authority will replace the Regional Transit Authority for oversight.
Governor J.B. Pritzker is expected to sign the bill, effective June 1, 2026.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1974 after a referendum, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) aimed to address public transit funding issues in the Chicago area, following significant service cuts by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in 1973. With a current budget of $1.5 billion, the RTA's recent funding bill underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining transit services, reflecting historical financial struggles that have persisted for decades.

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Story summary

Illinois lawmakers passed a $1.5 billion transit funding bill on early Friday to prevent service cuts for the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace.
The legislation reallocates $860 million from motor fuel sales tax and $200 million from the Road Fund's interest to public transit.
It increases the Regional Transportation Authority sales tax by 0.25% in the Chicago area and raises tolls by 45 cents for passenger vehicles.
The new Northern Illinois Transit Authority will replace the Regional Transit Authority for oversight.
Governor J.B. Pritzker is expected to sign the bill, effective June 1, 2026.

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