Overview
- The package secures roughly $1.5 billion annually by diverting motor‑fuel sales tax revenue (~$860 million), authorizing a 0.25 percentage‑point regional sales‑tax increase (~$478 million) and using interest from the Road Fund (~$200 million).
- A new Northern Illinois Transit Authority will replace the RTA with expanded control over planning, capital programs, fare collection and operational oversight beginning June 1, 2026.
- CTA, Metra and Pace adopted 2026 budgets with no fare hikes or service cuts, though RTA/NITA must still allocate new dollars — including about $319 million expected next year — before major service upgrades proceed.
- The law authorizes Illinois Tollway rate increases — 45 cents for passenger vehicles and 30% for commercial traffic — subject to board approval, with any added revenue remaining dedicated to the Tollway.
- Safety and rider-experience measures include a law enforcement task force led by the Cook County sheriff, unarmed transit ambassadors starting in 2027, a real‑time reporting app, periodic audits and a path to unified fares by 2030, drawing GOP criticism over Road Fund diversions and suburban representation.