Legislators Propose Merger of Chicago-Area Mass Transit Agencies
A CTA Brown Line train stops in downtown Chicago.
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Two Chicago lawmakers are proposing a merger of the Chicago area’s three major transit systems, the Chicago Transit Authority, Pace and Metra under one umbrella.
The proposal, from Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) would replace the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) with a new entity, the Metropolitan Mobility Authority, to oversee all three transit systems.
Currently, RTA oversees the three systems and doles out funding for the agencies.
The proposal comes days after the Civic Federation called for abolishing the CTA, which has been plagued by inconsistent service and questions about the performance of President Dorval Carter, Jr.
“The status quo doesn’t work for taxpayers either, who are paying for duplicate bureaucracies performing overlapping functions instead of funding one agency that makes transit work better across Chicagoland,” Delgado said in statement. “Reform must come first.”
RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard, a former Republican State Senator, said in a statement Monday he’s open to reform, but additional funding needs to come with it.
“We welcome discussion on reforms that strengthen coordination, efficiency, and accountability across the regional transit system,” Dillard said. “Riders expect and deserve faster, more reliable service, and a safer and more accessible system. But reforms must come with the necessary funding to upgrade service and maximize transit’s impact on the region’s economy, climate, and access to opportunity for all residents.”
RTA already faces around a $700 million fiscal shortfall after COVID funding dries up in 2026.
A companion piece of legislation would set aside $1.5 billion yearly for mass transit, but even supporters admit that kind of money doesn’t exist in state coffers today.
Governor JB Pritzker was non-committal when asked about the proposal Monday.
