Transportation authority in Illinois urges Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace to disclose further information regarding impending service reductions
Headline: Regional Transportation Authority Directs Agencies to Prepare for Discussion on Potential Service Cuts
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has requested the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace to prepare for a discussion about potential service cuts at their Oct. 3 meeting. This move comes as the region's transit agencies face a significant budget gap due to the end of federal pandemic aid, totalling up to $771 million.
In a letter sent to the leaders of the three agencies, RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard emphasised the need for detailed information about the planned service cuts. He stated that the RTA is concerned that legislators and the public will not fully understand the magnitude of transit cuts unless they know which specific bus routes and train lines are affected.
The RTA has approved the reallocation of $74 million in discretionary funding from Metra and Pace to the CTA next year. This reallocation is intended to push devastating cuts on the CTA back by two or three months into the middle of next year. However, without additional state funding, the RTA has warned of drastic 40% cuts to service starting next year, which could impact transit access for many riders relying on these services.
Previously, the RTA had discussed broad potential cuts, such as the possibility of 60% of CTA's bus routes being slashed and service suspension on half of their 'L' lines. RTA board member Tom Kotarac expressed this concern at the board's meeting, stating the need to identify specific cuts and affected lines, such as the Yellow Line and UP-West.
Currently, there are no specific bus routes or train lines of CTA, Metra, or Pace officially planned for closure due to missing additional state funding. However, if cuts do occur, it is expected that the CTA will run out of money first, sometime in the middle of the next year. Metra and Pace will follow, with cuts to the suburban bus service not expected to take place until sometime in 2027.
The deadline for action is a powerful motivator for lawmakers in Springfield, as emphasized by the RTA. State lawmakers are returning to Springfield in October to try again for transit funding. A previously unaccounted-for boost in sales tax revenue could provide an extra $10 million to $20 million per month, which could potentially alleviate some of the financial pressure.
As the Oct. 3 meeting approaches, the agencies are also expected to provide information about when service cuts, fare increases, and layoff notices will take place. However, no comments were made by representatives for the CTA, Metra, and Pace regarding the current situation. The last-ditch effort to reallocate funds could take some pressure off lawmakers as they head back to Springfield next month, providing a glimmer of hope for the region's transit users.
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