Regional Transportation Authority warns of fiscal cliff, asks for more power over Chicago area transit
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Regional Transportation Authority on Wednesday pitched its plan to save public transit in Illinois—and it could cost passengers more money.
The agency said the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace suburban buses—for all of which the RTA oversees finances, secures funding, and conducts transit planning—will face a $770 million budget deficit and potentially drastic service cuts next year.
The reason is that COVID-19 relief funds are running out.
The RTA is now asking the state for more authority over the three transit agencies, which would give the oversight body more control over fares.
The RTA also said combining the three transit groups would allow it to eliminate redundant jobs. Illinois lawmakers this past summer proposed the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act, which would merge the CTA, Metra, and Pace into one agency, but no vote has been taken on the legislation.
The RTA proposal also calls for a single app for customers to pay fares, track buses and trains, and file complaints.
To pay for it all, the RTA proposes increasing fares by 10%, and an additional $1.5 billion from Springfield.
"We're not asking for a blank check or a bailout. These experts agree that our region has been radically, historically underfunded for decades," said RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard. "Seventeen percent of our operating costs come from Springfield, compared to 28% in New York, 44% in Boston, and 50% in Philadelphia."
The plan is outlined in the RTA's proposal, "Transforming Transit: Our Vision for Chicago's Future."
It requires a change in state law to be enacted. The RTA hopes it will get passed this spring.