Many Chicagoans could lose access to rides as the $770 million CTA grant dries up

Illinois lawmakers are under increasing pressure as they attempt to address a pending $770 million budget shortfall affecting the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace. The crisis looms as federal COVID-19 grant funding that previously bolstered the system is set to expire, raising the specter of severe service cuts and job losses.

State Sen. Ram Villivalam has introduced a plan aimed at avoiding devastating impacts to regional transit, reports WGN-TV. His proposal would establish the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, replacing the Regional Transit Authority, to govern the CTA, Metra, and Pace. This new body would be composed of a 20-member board. Five members each would be appointed by the Illinois governor, the Cook County Board president, and the mayor of Chicago, with the remaining appointments coming from the collar counties, the plan states.

The plan also promises a unified fare system and a regional safety strategy to better integrate and protect public transit services. Though Villivalam's bill outlines funding strategies, it falls short of the $1.5 billion demanded by advocates, according to WGN-TV.

Failure to enact this legislation could result in a 40% service reduction, affecting many riders across the region. "One in five Chicagoans would lose access to public transit," stated an analysis from Crain's Chicago Business, a stark reminder of what's at stake if new funding isn't secured.

Villivalam's bill introduces several revenue-generating measures, such as a tollway surcharge, a public electric vehicle charging fee, and an extension of the Real Estate Transfer Tax and rideshare fees to cover suburban areas. State Sen. Don DeWitte criticized these measures as burdensome to suburban taxpayers. "Their job is to do what’s needed for the people," said in an interview to Block Club Tiffany Rebb of ATU Local 241, emphasizing the importance of securing public transit.

With the legislative deadline fast approaching, ABC7 Chicago reports that stakeholders, including labor unions and transit leaders, continue negotiations in hopes of averting the service cuts.