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Illinois Lawmakers Debate New Authority and Fee Hikes to Avert Transit Service Cuts

Transit unions are pressuring lawmakers to pass amendments to SB 3438 before Saturday’s 11:59 p.m. deadline.

A Metra train, top, is seen in the tracks across from the Pace Harvey Transportation Center, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Harvey, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
A Metra train leaves the station across from the Pace Harvey Transportation Center, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Harvey, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
A shuttered bakery is seen near the Pace Harvey Transportation Center, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Harvey, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
People wait at the Pace Harvey Transportation Center, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Harvey, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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.