Overview

• The CTA, Metra and Pace face a combined $770 million deficit in 2026 that could force 40 percent cuts to train and bus services and lay off about 3,000 workers.
• Senate Bill 3438 would replace the Regional Transportation Authority with a Northern Illinois Transportation Authority empowered to set fares, allocate budgets and implement a unified fare system by 2030.
• Funding measures include a 3¢ per kWh electric-vehicle charging fee, extension of Chicago’s real estate transfer and rideshare taxes to suburbs and a 50¢ fee on each toll transaction.
• Suburban officials warn the plan would divert about $185 million in RTA sales tax revenue from Collar Counties, including $72 million from DuPage County, jeopardizing local services.
• Lawmakers are negotiating amendments to SB 3438 and expect to remain in session past midnight Friday as they race to approve a funding package by Saturday’s 11:59 p.m. deadline.