The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has issued an urgent warning about potential “doomsday” cuts to Chicago public transit and is calling on the Illinois General Assembly to address a $770 million fiscal cliff beginning in 2026.
Budget shortfall threatens transit access for 1 in 5 Chicagoans
The RTA, which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace systems, released a statement last week outlining a worst-case scenario in which a 40% service cut could leave 1 in 5 Chicagoans without reliable daily transit service.
Without swift action from the Illinois General Assembly, the budget shortfall could result in over 3,000 transit job losses, the elimination of early morning and late evening Metra service, and the end of all weekend bus service for Pace riders.
Additionally, the cuts could suspend service to half of the CTA’s eight rail lines, and eradicate nearly 74 out of 127 CTA bus routes, affecting 500,000 riders.
“Unprecedented” service cuts could trigger economic domino effect
If the Illinois General Assembly fails to agree on a funding plan by May, discussions on funding cuts will start.
The RTA calls the budget cuts “unprecedented” and warns that service reductions could severely limit access to medical care, jobs, and essential services.
Additionally, ongoing construction on major routes like the Kennedy Expressway has lead to increased traffic congestion in Chicago. The RTA notes that the service cuts could further exacerbate this issue.
$1.5 Billion needed to address fiscal cliff
“This isn’t just a transit crisis—it’s a regional emergency,” said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden.
“If the General Assembly does not act this spring, hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans will wake up in 2026 without a way to get to work, school, or medical appointments…This doomsday scenario can still be avoided, as long as our state partners vote to fully fund transit operations before it’s too late.”
The RTA is requesting the Illinois General Assembly allocate an additional $1.5 billion in funding to offset the fiscal cliff.
The public can support advocacy efforts and stay informed by joining the RTA’s Transit is the Answer coalition. Learn more information here.