Overview

• CTA, Metra and Pace face a combined $770 million shortfall in 2026 after federal COVID-19 grant funding expires.
• Lawmakers are shaping a 20-member Northern Illinois Transit Authority to oversee fares, budgets and system integration.
• Current revenue proposals include a 50-cent daily surcharge on Illinois Tollway transactions and a 10% rideshare trip tax.
• Suburban leaders argue the plan would redirect at least $72 million in sales tax revenue from DuPage County without local oversight.
• The General Assembly must approve a funding solution by midnight Saturday or trigger up to 40% cuts in transit services.