Illinois Budget Crisis: Transit Authorities Warn of Potential Job Losses and Service Reductions Due to RTA Funding Gap

CHICAGO (WLS) — Leaders in mass transit and unions are raising alarms about potential job losses and service reductions following Illinois lawmakers’ approval of a budget that fails to resolve a $770 million deficit for the RTA.

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which manages Metra, CTA, and Pace, is now grappling with nearly a billion-dollar shortfall due to the cessation of COVID-19 relief funds, as state legislators did not pass necessary transit reforms.

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Governor JB Pritzker emphasized that any reform should encompass commuters statewide, not just in the Chicagoland region. Nonetheless, Dr. P.S. Sriraj, head of UIC’s Urban Transportation Center, indicates that riders should prepare for direct consequences.

“It’s something that is going to affect whether you use public transportation or not,” Dr. Sriraj said. “If they are leaning on public transportation now, they are going to be on the roads, which is going to increase travel times, increase mental anguish, more other road rage issues. There’s going to be a whole slew [of impacts], including accidents.”

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The RTA released a statement shortly after the budget was passed applauding the General Assembly’s efforts while underscoring the need to find funding as its agencies prepare budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.

Over the weekend, Governor JB Pritzker said lawmakers have more work to do to get everyone on board for a transit funding fix and explained they need to do it as fast as possible.