Poll shows support for supersized Metra, CTA and Pace combo

Transit advocates on Wednesday pushed for the consolidation of the Regional Transportation Authority, Metra, Pace and the CTA into one mega agency, citing poll results showing strong support for the change.

The three agencies are facing a $730 million budget shortfall in 2026 after suffering huge ridership losses as a result of COVID-19.

An Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition survey of 600 likely voters found 46% in favor of a merger with 21% opposed, and 33% who didn’t know.

Lawmakers and ICJC members at a news conference in Chicago said there’s a lack of collaboration among the agencies and unifying them would improve service and save up to $250 million a year.

“The CTA, Metra and Pace all have separate apps that don’t work well together or don’t work together at all,” state Rep. Mary Beth Canty of Arlington Heights said “What my constituents want is to hop on a train to take in a game or a show, have a seamless transition to a bus or an L, to pay one fare and to arrive at their destination on time.”

Metra, Pace and the CTA have pushed back against the MMA plan, contending the agencies do cooperate and casting doubt on cost-saving estimates.

“We do not believe and have never seen data to support a $250 million annual savings from consolidation of agencies,” RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden said Wednesday.

Consolidation legislation was introduced in February to create a new Metropolitan Mobility Authority to improve efficiency and create an integrated transit experience. But there’s been no vote yet, although the state Senate’s Transportation Committee toured the region this summer to hear from constituents.

A number of Collar County leaders said at the hearings they feared the composition of the MMA would favor Chicago and Cook to the detriment of their residents.

There also has been support for an alternative governance model that would give the RTA increased powers.