A report makes recommendations for closing the region’s transit funding gap and improving service frequency and reliability.
A report from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning will advise state lawmakers on changes proposed to the region’s transit system to stave off the impending $730 million budget shortfall and bring back ridership.
As Kaitlin Washburn explains in the Chicago Sun-Times, the report recommends raising fares, raising sales taxes, and well as improving service and offering affordable fare options. “CMAP recommends the state require the transit agencies to recalculate rates every four years based on inflation, rather than the existing irregular and sometimes dramatic fare hikes.”
Washburn adds, “Other proposals include moving to one fare system rather than the current separate ones for each agency; adding ‘transit ambassadors’ to improve safety; and improving compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by expanding transit options for riders with disabilities.”
The report also recommends consolidating the three regional transit agencies. “CTA, Metra and Pace now operate as separate agencies, and the Regional Transportation Authority oversees financing. CMAP’s recommendations could include keeping the three separate and strengthening RTA or combining the three under one regional agency.”
FULL STORY: Fare changes, consolidated transit agencies among the ideas to reshape Chicago-area public transportation
Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis
Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.
Chicago Transit Leaders Oppose Merger Legislation, Pleading for More Funding
Ahead of a multi-million dollar fiscal cliff in 2026, CTA, Metra, and Pace pushed back on a potential merger at the first of several hearings to determine their futures in the wake of decreased ridership.
Chicago Transit: $770M Shortfall, 40% Service Cuts Loom
Despite dire warnings from transit officials, the Illinois General Assembly ended its legislative session without a solution.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)