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. View Plan of Action for Regional TransitOpens in a new tab View PART action guide for legislatorsOpens in a new tab View PART StoryMap ext-link Opens in a new tab What PART addresses Financial viability and funding The structure that funds our transit system does not match todayās 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 todayās post-pandemic region. 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. 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. 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: Better buses Cleanliness Demand-responsive transit servicesāÆ Fare affordability Fare integration Fare levels Regional rail Restoring and investing in transit service Safety and security System accessibility Transit-supportive land use and development Revenue options: Federal State Flexing federal funds Paratransit Road system revenues Sales tax Governance (prepared in partnership with the Eno Center for Transportation): Case studies on transit governance in peer regions Interviews with regional transit stakeholders Governance models for northeastern Illinois PART development and resources Recognizing seriousness of threats facing the regionās 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: Briefing book Fact sheet PART resolution Project scope Steering committee meeting materials Engagement and public comment: Formal comments on PART Public engagement summary On this page What PART addressesRecommendations Regional spotlight Click to read New, interactive StoryMap to understand transit conditions and data Click to read New, interactive StoryMap to understand transit conditions and data Click to read Clean and Equitable Transportation Act introduced, offers extensive range of transit and climate policy proposals Click to read CMAP delivers Plan of Action for Regional Transit to state leaders, charting a strong future for transit Click to read Regional leaders approve Plan of Action for Regional Transit Transportation News Newsletter sign-up Opens in a modal ON TO 2050 related recommendations Click to read Make transit more competitive Mobility Click to read Fully fund the region’s transportation system Mobility Click to read Improve travel safety Mobility Click to read Leverage the transportation network to promote inclusive growth Mobility