With the clock winding down on Saturday, lawmakers couldn’t find a way to put the $770 million transit shortfall at the top of the list of a packed agenda.
Now, Northeast Illinois’ transit agencies are left hanging over the edge of the fiscal cliff.
This inaction is more than just a missed opportunity — it’s a direct threat to the daily lives of countless Illinoisans.
Transit workers are bracing for layoffs as agencies are forced to slash budgets. Commuters, students, and families will see service deteriorate even further, making it harder to get to work, school, or medical care.
More people will be pushed toward driving, worsening air pollution and climate impacts across the region. Downstate transit agencies, too, will miss out on vital funding that could have strengthened their operations.
MOMENTUM IN THE SENATE
We commend the State Senate for recognizing the crisis and passing HB3438 on May 31. Huge thanks go to Senator Villivalam, Representative Delgado, and Representative Buckner for their unwavering commitment to crafting a solution.
Their leadership gives us hope, and we’re eager to keep working alongside them to see these essential reforms and investments through.
Behind the scenes, we’ve poured countless hours into the effort to pass this legislation, collaborating with legislators and advocates to forge real change. Our focus isn’t just on stopping the bleeding — it’s on building a transit system that works for everyone.
To everyone who has stepped up — especially those who’ve acted more than once — we send our deepest thanks. Your energy and dedication are the heart of this effort. We simply couldn’t do this without you.
THE ROAD AHEAD FOR A BETTER TRANSIT FUTURE
We’re not giving up on our vision: a modern, coordinated, and rider-friendly transit network.
The reforms we’re championing would finally align services across Metra, Pace, and the CTA — including a single, simple fare for the whole system — while boosting safety, reliability, and service frequency.
But reform alone isn’t enough. We need a $1.5 billion annual investment to truly transform transit, not just patch the holes. That’s how we’ll ensure safe, dependable, and affordable transit for generations of Illinoisans.
Thank you again for your passion and persistence. Stay alert — your voice is more important than ever as we move forward.
Together, we can create a transit system that serves Chicagoland.