RTA legislative proposal can deliver faster, more frequent, safer, reliable transit service

With the Chicago area’s transit system facing a $771 million fiscal cliff starting in 2026, RTA released our Transforming Transit vision for sustainable funding and strategic reform at the start of the 2025 legislative session in January. The $1.5 billion, rider-focused vision would cut wait times by up to 50% and increase efficiency and accountability through an empowered RTA, allowing CTA, Metra, and Pace to focus exclusively on delivering high-quality service.

Transit riders overwhelmingly support increased transit funding to deliver their priorities around frequent, fast, and reliable service, according to thousands of responses to RTA surveys. Over the last several months RTA worked with riders, advocates, organized labor, local officials, and state lawmakers to refine the plan and draft a legislative proposal to deliver an efficient, accountable, affordable, and integrated transit network.

Legislative Proposal Summary

Faster, More Frequent, Integrated Service: Rider wait times are cut by up to 50% with more frequent service. Transit access is increased with new and extended routes with stakeholder input. Coordinated schedules and more frequent service allow for timely transfers across all three operators.
Safer, Cleaner Rides: RTA, in coordination with transit operators and organized labor, launches a regional Transit Ambassador Pilot Program to supplement police and security forces and provide rider education and assistance and more “eyes and ears” on vehicles and at stations.
Affordable Fares: Under a proposed fare capping policy, riders choosing to pay-per-trip are never charged more than the cost of a daily, weekly, or monthly pass. Reduced fares for people experiencing low incomes – currently being piloted for Metra riders – can be expanded to CTA and Pace and made permanent.
Faster, More Reliable Buses: RTA develops a Bus Rapid Transit Plan to increase bus speeds across the region and serves as lead partner with departments of transportation and service boards to implement dedicated bus lanes and other bus priority infrastructure. Plan must be implemented within 5 years of adoption.
Strong Oversight and Accountability: A governing board that reflects diverse needs of local communities is empowered to set service standards and hold operators accountable by awarding and withholding funding as needed.
Simpler Fare Payment: RTA sets all transit fares and jointly procures a regional fare system for seamless transfers between CTA, Metra, and Pace.
More Useful Bus and Train Tracking and Customer Information: RTA centralizes real-time tracking and customer information across the system.
Leverage Regional Investments: RTA leads initial planning for all regionally significant transit projects on the rail and roadway network and is responsible for alternative analyses systemwide. RTA allocates capital funding to CTA, Metra, and Pace based on evaluation measures and level of need.
Housing and Economic Development: RTA, in coordination with CTA, Metra, and Pace, analyzes opportunities for joint real estate development near train stations and bus stops to increase economic activity and create more housing.

Save Transit Now

With the urgent need for legislators to enable a funding and reform solution by May 31st to avoid devastating service cuts, RTA is encouraging riders and residents to speak out and ask their legislators to support sustainable funding and strategic reform. Visit SaveTransitNow.org to sign a letter to your legislators and stand up for public transit. So far more than 6,000 letters have been sent from communities large and small across the region – help us continue to build momentum and support in the final weeks of the legislative session! Sign and share the campaign today.