State also has stake in fixing transit crisis
Marni Pyke’s, “Pritzker: State not responsible for fixing transit crisis alone,” (June 17) rightly observes that transit funding is a regional issue. But it’s also a statewide responsibility — and one Illinois must take seriously.
Our regional mass transit system annually produces $2.5 billion in statewide economic activity. This growth funds schools in Peoria, Palatine and Pinckneyville.
Residents of the Chicago region fund much of the system already. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) levies a sales tax across six counties, which together with fares paid for each ride on CTA, Metra, and Pace — a total of 361 million rides in 2024 — funds more than half the cost of operating the region’s transit system. But, as pandemic relief funds run out, we face a projected $771 million budget gap in 2026. The RTA lacks the authority to raise new local revenue and without help from Springfield, we do not have the tools to solve this crisis on our own.
In May, the General Assembly adjourned without approving new transit funding or governance reforms. Now, we are forced to begin a budget process that could result in major service cuts, fare hikes, layoffs and economic harm — not just in the Chicago area, but statewide. The Chicago region powers nearly 75% of Illinois’ GDP and jobs, and public transit is the system that keeps that economic engine running. Yet Illinois contributes just 17% of operating funds for northeastern Illinois transit — far below what peer states like New York and Massachusetts provide at more than 40%.
The state also chronically underfunds vital programs, putting further strain on transit agency budgets. For example, in 2025, the state will contribute just $10 million — only 4% — toward the $250 million estimated cost of federally required ADA paratransit service. That leaves 96% of the cost to be covered by the transit agencies for a growing population of riders with disabilities.
Reduced-fare programs for seniors, students and low-income riders face a similar shortfall, with less than half of the costs reimbursed by the state. Combined, these unfunded mandate gaps exceed $100 million annually, weakening the system’s ability to deliver frequent, reliable service.
The RTA is eager to work with regional partners to implement reform and innovation — but we need the state to be a full partner. That means fully funding its own mandates and giving our region the authority to raise new local revenue, as other states allow.
Transit is essential to daily life and economic growth whether you ride it or not. Illinois has underfunded transit for far too long and forced transit agencies to balance budgets on the backs of the 1.2 million weekday riders who crave safe, fast, reliable service. Historically local riders bear the highest share of costs and the RTA delivers the lowest cost-per-mile system (most efficient) in America. We hope the state will join us in building a stronger, more sustainable future that benefits not just the Chicago region, but all of Illinois.
• Kirk Dillard, of Hinsdale, is chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority.