Overview

• The proposal would send all of the RTA’s 2026 discretionary funds to the CTA, leaving none of that pot for Metra or Pace and pushing CTA’s fiscal cliff back two to three months to mid‑2026.
• The board is also set to vote on using $34 million this year to stabilize Pace’s paratransit program, which faces a shortfall driven by heavy use of a lower‑cost rideshare option.
• Without new revenue once federal pandemic aid runs out in 2026, the CTA, Metra and Pace warn of service reductions of up to 40% and potential layoffs.
• Metra and Pace leaders signal support for regional cooperation on the shift while cautioning about effects on suburban service and riders who rely on paratransit.
• House working groups continue negotiations ahead of an October veto session, as higher‑than‑expected sales tax receipts from expanded online collections add an estimated $10–$20 million per month that may only partly narrow the gap.