Chicago-Area Transit Agencies Won’t Be Getting More Financial Help Any Time Soon, Illinois House Speaker Says

(WTTW News)(WTTW News)

Chicago-area transit agencies seeking a state funding boost will have to make like many frustrated CTA passengers — and wait.

Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority collectively expect to be $730 million short come 2026 and are seeking a lift from state government.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Speaking at a City Club event Tuesday, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said any financial assistance is likely at least eight months from resolution.

Welch in August appointed a group of House Democrats, led by state Reps. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) and Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), to a new working group that will meet in private to debate options for overhauling the region’s transit governance and giving the system more money.

“We have to let the process play out,” Welch said Tuesday. “We have to talk to all of the advocates. This is a big deal.”

“I do believe we’re going to get it right,” Welch said, but he noted that probably won’t be until the end of May, just before the legislature adjourns its session next year.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said she isn’t surprised by that timeline, and that she is confident it will get resolved.

“This is major legislation,” Preckwinkle said. “This is going to take some time to work through.”

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie has been critical that no Republicans are part of the public transit working group, and therefore whatever it comes up with won’t have GOP input.

“It’s telling that Speaker Welch touts the creation of a ‘diverse group of lawmakers’ to address public transit issues but fails to include a single Republican voice,” McCombie said in a statement when Welch announced the group’s formation. “Our caucus represents parts of all 102 counties in Illinois, including districts with critical public transit needs that serve families regardless of political affiliation. The Speaker’s actions show a blatant disregard for bipartisan cooperation that is necessary to serve our communities effectively.”

The Senate Transportation Committee has held educational meetings throughout the summer regarding public transit, and is holding another one this Thursday in Libertyville, this time focused on “the state of transit and how it mitigates climate impact.”

Contact Amanda Vinicky: @AmandaVinicky | [email protected]


Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors