Chicago Transit faces sweeping service cuts and layoffs after Illinois lawmakers approved a new state budget without resolving a $770 million funding gap. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Chicago Transit Faces Major Cuts After Budget Failure
Photo: wikipedia

Although the state Senate passed HB3438 to support transit, the House adjourned without debate. So the Regional Transportation Authority must now move ahead with planning major cuts.

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RTA spokeswoman Tina Fassett Smith confirmed the agency will prepare a 2026 budget based solely on secure funding. She emphasized collaboration and urged regional leaders to reach agreement quickly.

Chicago Transit Funding Crisis Triggers Urgent Budget Planning

In March, RTA warned that Metra could eliminate early and late trains, reduce weekday service to hourly, and end operations on its Blue Island branch.

CTA would suspend four of its eight lines and close or reduce service at 50 stations. Pace would also scale back suburban bus routes significantly.

Chicago Transit Cuts May Take Years to Reverse

Even if funding is restored later this year, the RTA said many changes may last years. Shared Metra-freight lines could require five years to reinstate full schedules.

The agency must hold public hearings before implementing changes in 2026. Those sessions will begin this fall and include detailed service impact reviews.

Transit leaders blame the shortfall on reduced ridership, expired federal aid, and rising operating costs. Pandemic-related work-from-home trends have also weakened fare revenues.

Similar transit funding crises are unfolding in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and other U.S. cities. Without action, widespread disruptions seem inevitable.

The RTA has urged the legislature to revisit the funding bill during a special session in October or November, but time is running short to prevent service losses.

If solutions don’t emerge soon, Chicago Transit users face longer waits, limited routes, and reduced access, potentially affecting thousands of daily commuters.

Source: www.trains.com

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