An RTA report highlights a need for state funding to bridge an imminent $730 budget shortfall, calling for an approach that relies less heavily on fare revenue.
A report from the Chicago area’s Regional Transit Authority (RTA) highlights the system’s overreliance on fare revenue and recommends additional state funding for free and reduced-fare programs for low-income riders.
According to a Streetsblog Chicago article by John Greenfield, “The RTA, the CTA, Metra, and Pace have at least 15 specialized free and reduced fare programs, such as the RTA's Ride Free and Reduced Fare programs, which currently have 317,000 people enrolled and provided more than 82 million rides last year.” The report asserts that fully funding the Paratransit and reduced fare programs is necessary, but will raise the projected budget gap to roughly $730 million by 2026.
“The RTA report recommends addressing that challenge by creating an income-based reduced fare program called Regional Access. It also calls [for] full state funding of ADA Paratransit and Regional Access, which would help reduce the $730 million budget gap. Lastly, it proposes unlocking collaborative pricing policies across the region by investing in technology and funding reform.” The report also highlights the benefits of a regional fare that would let riders transition seamlessly across systems.
FULL STORY: New RTA Report recommends income-based fare programs
Seattle to Reinstate Bus Fare Enforcement
After a COVID-era move to eliminate fare inspections on city buses, King County Metro is reinstating checks for fare evasion.
SEPTA Awarded $153 Million to Stave Off Fare Hikes
Philadelphia’s struggling transit system will be able to delay a 30 percent fare raise, but the temporary fix won't do nearly enough to close its budget gap.
Chicago Commute Times Could Double Without New Transit Funding
A dire warning from regional transit leaders paints a bleak scenario for traffic if agencies are forced to cut service.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research