Metra officials warn the agency could cut service by as much as 40 percent to make up for a massive budget shortfall.
Chicago’s Metra transit agency could be forced to cut service by as much as 40 percent in 2027 without additional funding, reports Darius Johnson for CBS Chicago.
According to Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski, the agency faces a $221 million budget shortfall in 2026 and a $332 million gap in 2027. “The plan is to wait for Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's budget proposal in February to see how they can fill and reduce expenses. Some possibilities include a reduction of expenses, other people's money, increased money from the state, and increased fares.”
The proposed cuts could undermine the transit system that so many Chicagoland commuters depend on. “Springfield is going to really be pressed into action to really find a way to help, because the whole state will be affected by this,” said DePaul University professor and transportation expert Joe Schwieterman.
FULL STORY: Metra warns financial woes could lead to 40% reduction in service
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