An integrated system, improved security, no rate hikes in 2026: Lawmakers detail transit rescue plan
Fare hikes anticipated on Metra, Pace and the CTA are off the menu for 2026 following passage of a transit rescue bill, officials said Tuesday.
“For 2026, transit riders and frontline employees can expect no service cuts, no fare increases pending RTA board action this Thursday,” Regional Transportation Authority Communications Director Tina Fassett Smith said.
The agencies had planned for fare increases ranging from 10% to 15% next year when COVID-19 federal aid runs out.
Earlier Tuesday, state lawmakers discouraged raising fares at a news conference celebrating the legislation, which brings about $1.5 billion annually to transit in the region.
“I strongly believe the system needs to be stabilized and invested in prior to any fare adjustments,” state Senate Transportation Committee Chair Ram Villivalam said.
Lawmakers provided more details about the recently approved legislation, which as of June 1, 2026, replaces the RTA with the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.
“One thing NITA will do is be responsible for setting fares across the region,” Democratic state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado of Chicago said.
That includes a universal fare so riders can transfer seamlessly between the three systems.
“That’s one of the first items we need to address along with safety,” Delgado noted.
A task force led by the Cook County sheriff’s office will advise on security concerns like violent crime on the CTA.
“There is an immediate need, that’s what the law enforcement task force is going to be focused on,” Delgado said.
“Then long-term, to review what the needs are systemwide and how best to encourage a feeling of safety, because I think feeling safe is about more than just policing,” she said. Issues include addressing needs of homeless riders on the system and people experiencing mental health crises.
The legislation also includes transitioning to zero-emission buses and trains, and a strong focus on bus rapid transit — buses that travel expeditiously on busy roads with fewer stops.
“This investment ensures our system won’t be subject to a Band-Aid solution but rather one that ensures a world-class public transit system for the next several decades,” Villivalam said.
Democratic state Rep. Matt Hanson of Montgomery noted, “in Kane County we have transit deserts that have not been restored since COVID-19 cuts. We used to have Pace bus routes that fed heavily used Metra stations that not been restored.”
He’s hopeful the influx of revenues could bring back canceled routes and also offer more streamlined paratransit service between counties.
The $1.5 billion includes: $860 million derived by shifting tax revenue from motor fuel sales to transit; $200 million from interest in the state’s road construction fund; and $478 million from raising the RTA sales tax by 0.25 percentage points.
A majority of Republicans opposed the legislation, arguing the new NITA board suppressed Collar County representation and a provision raising tolls unfairly targets suburban drivers.