RTA needs a loan

A perfect storm of revenue problems is causing the Regional Transportation Authority to borrow up to $200 million so it can continue to fund the CTA, Pace and Metra. The cash shortfall comes from a variety of economic challenges, including the fact the state government is behind on payments and delays in getting receipts from sales taxes, officials said. RTA financial staff said Thursday they anticipated this being a short-term problem; however, agency leaders predicted more fallout if money from Springfield isn't forthcoming. "Vendors might start charging for late payments," RTA Executive Director Steve Schlickman said.