Illinois state lawmakers debating bills to reform CTA, Metra, Pace: Possible revenue sources include tolls, rideshare tax
Share this @internewscast.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — A pair of proposed bills are under discussion by state legislators aiming to reform public transit systems and secure revenue to prevent imminent threats of employee layoffs and reductions in services.

Some of the proposed revenue sources include new tolls on suburban drivers and fees for charging electric vehicles.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

But those are running into some early opposition, with time running out to work out compromises.

According to transit authorities, a requirement of $771 million for the next year, along with a stable annual funding of $1.5 billion, is essential to keep the CTA, Metra, and Pace functioning, and to avert significant job losses or service reductions.

A new Senate bill proposes to raise enough money to avoid the pending fiscal cliff.

SEE MORE: State lawmakers seek to cover budget shortfall, avoid doomsday deadline for mass transportation

“Our objective is to finance a transit system that will endure not just for the immediate future, but for many years ahead. If we fail to take action, the consequences are clear: a potential 40% cut in service,” stated Democratic state Sen. Ram Villivalam, a Northwest Side representative and one of the bill’s sponsors.

The funding plan includes up to a dollar a day tollway surcharge in the Chicago metro region, an additional 10% tax on rideshares originating in Chicago and the five collar counties and a surcharge up to $500 on property sales in Chicago.

But, lawmakers are already working on changes.

“The bill that finally, that eventually passes the General Assembly, that we will send to Gov. Pritzker’s desk will be a bill that was worked through the process. It will not be any of these, either one of these bills in their current version. We’re already working on amendments,” said state Rep. Kam Buckner, speaker pro-tempore and budgeteer.

On Thursday, several transit unions gathered outside Union Station as part of an awareness and pressure campaign on lawmakers to get something done to make the needed funding happen.

“This isn’t about us. This is about Chicago. This is about Illinois, and legislators want to be able to make good on their word of delivering for their constituents. So, we feel very good that we that, you know, legislators are committed to getting this done,” said Alyssa Goodstein, communications director for Illinois AFL-CIO.

“I think that folks will see a final version of this bill on the floor, either in the House or the Senate very soon. It may take the remainder of time we have left, but what’s more, most, important to us is not just getting this done quickly, but it’s making sure that we get it done right,” Buckner said.

Buckner said something could be brought to the floor very late Friday night, and he’s already expecting lawmakers will still be in session past midnight on Friday, with Saturday at 11:59 p.m. being the deadline to get the entire budget passed.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Severe weather outlook: Chicago weather forecast today, tomorrow includes chance for strong storms, large hail, high winds

Chicago Braces for Intense Weather: Strong Storms, Large Hail, and High Winds Expected

CHICAGO — The meteorologists at ABC7 Chicago AccuWeather have sounded an alert…
Iran's war against the US and Israel is being fueled by North Korean weapons, expert warns

Iran’s Surprising Arsenal: How North Korean Weapons are Powering Conflict with the US and Israel

The extensive missile arsenal of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a…
Disney Adventure World debuts at Disneyland Paris: World of Frozen and Adventure Bay spark a bold new era for the resort

Disneyland Paris Unveils New Era with World of Frozen and Adventure Bay Attractions

Disneyland Paris has embarked on an exciting new journey with the unveiling…
Nestlé promises there's enough KitKats left for Easter — despite 12-ton theft that's fascinated the world

Nestlé Assures Easter Supply of KitKats Unaffected by Global Sensation: The 12-Ton Heist

The culprits behind the theft of a massive haul of KitKat bars…
Trump says deal will 'probably' be reached soon with 'new, and more reasonable' Iran regime

Trump Predicts Imminent Agreement with ‘New, More Reasonable’ Iranian Government

On Monday, President Trump suggested that an agreement with Iran is likely…
Sophie Turner injures back, temporarily halts 'Tomb Raider' production

Sophie Turner’s Back Injury Halts ‘Tomb Raider’ Filming: Production Faces Temporary Delay

Production of the “Tomb Raider” series has been temporarily paused following a…
Eric Swalwell insists Chinese spy case 'is closed'

Eric Swalwell Declares Chinese Spy Investigation Concluded: No Further Action Required

Eric Swalwell, a candidate for California governor, declared that “the case is…
Kid Rock news: Army reviewing after Apache helicopter flyby near Trump supporter's Nashville home

Army Investigates Apache Helicopter Flyby Near Kid Rock’s Nashville Residence

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The U.S. Army has initiated an investigation following an…
Reality TV stars share footage of Hollywood road rage attack

Reality TV Personalities Release Exclusive Footage of Hollywood Road Rage Incident

Two reality TV stars are recounting a harrowing road rage incident they…
US allows Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba amid blockade as Trump says island ‘has to survive’

US Greenlights Russian Oil Tanker’s Arrival in Cuba Amid Blockade, Trump Advocates for Island’s Survival

The United States is set to permit a Russian oil tanker, laden…
DC air traffic controller Emily Hanoka reveals 'warning signs were all there' before midair crash that killed 67

DC Air Traffic Controller Emily Hanoka Unveils Overlooked Warning Signs Before Tragic Midair Collision Killing 67

A former air traffic controller from Washington, D.C., has come forward with…
WATCH: Local Virginia GOP Chairman Shuts Down Questions on Democrat Election Fraud Scandal as RINO Supporters Cheer

Virginia GOP Chair Faces Backlash for Dodging Election Fraud Questions Amid RINO Cheers

A journalist from a prominent news outlet faced a stern rebuke from…