A report makes recommendations for closing the region’s transit funding gap and improving service frequency and reliability.
A report from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning will advise state lawmakers on changes proposed to the region’s transit system to stave off the impending $730 million budget shortfall and bring back ridership.
As Kaitlin Washburn explains in the Chicago Sun-Times, the report recommends raising fares, raising sales taxes, and well as improving service and offering affordable fare options. “CMAP recommends the state require the transit agencies to recalculate rates every four years based on inflation, rather than the existing irregular and sometimes dramatic fare hikes.”
Washburn adds, “Other proposals include moving to one fare system rather than the current separate ones for each agency; adding ‘transit ambassadors’ to improve safety; and improving compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by expanding transit options for riders with disabilities.”
The report also recommends consolidating the three regional transit agencies. “CTA, Metra and Pace now operate as separate agencies, and the Regional Transportation Authority oversees financing. CMAP’s recommendations could include keeping the three separate and strengthening RTA or combining the three under one regional agency.”
FULL STORY: Fare changes, consolidated transit agencies among the ideas to reshape Chicago-area public transportation
Chicago Transit Faces Steep Budget Gap
The region’s transit riders could see major fare hikes and reduced service if agencies don’t find new ways to make up for reduced fare revenues.
Chicago Adding to Electric Bus Fleet
The city is working toward its goal to fully convert its transit fleet to electric buses by 2040.
Chicagoland Transit Agencies Call for State Funding as Budget Shortfall Looms
Illinois transit agencies want to see changes to a law requiring them to collect half of their revenue from transit fares, arguing that low ridership and staffing shortages will lead to a massive budget gap without intervention.
Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny
The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.
‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland
Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.
Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?
New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?
700-Acre Master-Planned Community Planned in Utah
A massive development plan is taking shape for lakefront property in Vineyard, Utah—on the site of a former U.S. Steel Geneva Works facility.
More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.
Air Pollution World’s Worst Public Health Threat, Report Says
Air pollution is more likely to take years life off the lifespan of the average human than any other external factor, according to a recent report out of the University of Chicago.
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
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