Strengthening transit in northeastern Illinois for the next generation

Transit agencies in northeastern Illinois are heading toward a fiscal cliff coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic ā€” with an expected budget shortfall of $730 million in 2026 ā€” as emergency federal assistance is expiring and ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Big, bold solutions are needed to secure the financial viability of our region’s transit system. Through all the changes the system has experienced, one central fact remains true: A successful transit system is critical to the success of the region, its economy, health, and environment.

To address these changes, a diverse group of leaders from across northeastern Illinois drafted a Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) with recommendations that can help the region invest in a stronger and more financially secure transit system.

What PART addresses

Shield with dollar sign icon

Financial viability and funding

The structure that funds our transit system does not match todayā€™s needs. Funds are distributed based on formulas set in statute more than 40 years ago. And state law requires the transit system use fares to cover half of operating costs. Keeping that requirement would lead to damaging service cuts in todayā€™s post-pandemic region.

Happy and sad face icon

Rider experience

Transit is fundamentally about people. The system can and should continue to better serve the people who rely on it every day, with investments in safe, secure, frequent, reliable, and affordable service throughout the region.

Three people icon

Governance

Long term, sustainable solutions require coordination across the entire regional system, including discussions about implementing these solutions within a system that has three overlapping transit providers ā€” Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace.

Two houses icon

Community and economic development

Policies and programs that promote equitable development near transit can help close socioeconomic gaps and enhance community development and recovery (e.g., incentivizing transit-supportive land use within the context of existing transit centers).

Recommendations

PART recommendations were developed with the support of these memos, which take a deeper dive into the issues that are critical to the future success of the region’s transit system.

System improvements:

Revenue options:

Governance (prepared in partnership with the Eno Center for Transportation):

Recognizing seriousness of threats facing the regionā€™s transit system coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois General Assembly charged CMAP with preparing legislative recommendations to support the future function, funding, and governance of public transportation in northeastern Illinois.

CMAP facilitated a planning process that including intensive research and policy development, partner coordination, and meaningful public engagement. Work was overseen by the CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee and guided by a steering committee made up of civic stakeholders from across the region. The CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee approved PART at a joint meeting on October 11, 2023. PART was delivered to the State of Illinois at an event on December 7, 2023.

Plan development materials:

Engagement and public comment: