An RTA report highlights a need for state funding to bridge an imminent $730 budget shortfall, calling for an approach that relies less heavily on fare revenue.
A report from the Chicago area’s Regional Transit Authority (RTA) highlights the system’s overreliance on fare revenue and recommends additional state funding for free and reduced-fare programs for low-income riders.
According to a Streetsblog Chicago article by John Greenfield, “The RTA, the CTA, Metra, and Pace have at least 15 specialized free and reduced fare programs, such as the RTA's Ride Free and Reduced Fare programs, which currently have 317,000 people enrolled and provided more than 82 million rides last year.” The report asserts that fully funding the Paratransit and reduced fare programs is necessary, but will raise the projected budget gap to roughly $730 million by 2026.
“The RTA report recommends addressing that challenge by creating an income-based reduced fare program called Regional Access. It also calls [for] full state funding of ADA Paratransit and Regional Access, which would help reduce the $730 million budget gap. Lastly, it proposes unlocking collaborative pricing policies across the region by investing in technology and funding reform.” The report also highlights the benefits of a regional fare that would let riders transition seamlessly across systems.
FULL STORY: New RTA Report recommends income-based fare programs
Seattle to Reinstate Bus Fare Enforcement
After a COVID-era move to eliminate fare inspections on city buses, King County Metro is reinstating checks for fare evasion.
SEPTA Awarded $153 Million to Stave Off Fare Hikes
Philadelphia’s struggling transit system will be able to delay a 30 percent fare raise, but the temporary fix won't do nearly enough to close its budget gap.
Chicago Commute Times Could Double Without New Transit Funding
A dire warning from regional transit leaders paints a bleak scenario for traffic if agencies are forced to cut service.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service