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 Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package
Public transit across the Chicagoland region could suffer massive cuts without additional funding.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time
A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.
Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth
Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.
Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas
Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions