RTA moves forward on sales tax increase to boost transit

Regional Transit Authority directors approved a sales tax increase Monday that will generate about $553 million more for Metra, Pace and the CTA in 2027.

The move “represents one of most significant actions taken to support future public transit in northeastern Illinois,” RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden said.

The RTA sales tax will rise by 0.25 percentage points on Aug. 1 and should result in $199 million more revenue this year.

The change follows passage of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act in 2025 that replaces the RTA with a new NITA board. The legislation was intended to fill a major budget shortfall looming in 2026 and reform how transit operates in the region.

“This summer, riders will begin seeing the benefits of new funding through more security personnel, expanded service, improved fare programs and better customer information across the region,” RTA Chair Kirk Dillard said.