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Transit is the Answer Coalition discusses: Should we consolidate the 4 agencies, or beef up the RTA?

"The reforms that we are here to discuss today are part of [a] larger conversation," Executive Director Leanne Redden said. "And much of that work centers around developing a stronger RTA."

August 5, 2024

New RTA Report recommends income-based fare programs

The major challenge facing this proposal is that Chicagoland is currently facing a $730M transit fiscal cliff, but advocates say there are potential options to make it happen.

July 27, 2024

Transit planning guru Jarrett Walker discusses CTA and Pace challenges, and the agency consolidation question

Walker, a consultant with the two systems, talks about how to improve service. He won't "disagree with their managements in public," but says he's genuinely against the proposed merger.

July 16, 2024

How can we avoid fiscal derailment? Transit agencies, chambers of commerce take opposite sides on the consolidation debate

RTA, CTA, Metra, and Pace chiefs said they need more funding but are opposed to unification. The chamber leaders said the agencies shouldn't get one without the other.

July 10, 2024

RTA tries making stations safer with community events at 8 transit stops in Chicago, Joliet, and Maywood

Free programs at stations across the city and the region will help provide more "eyes on the street".

May 29, 2024

Livin’ on a prayer: Pastor Ira Acree seems destined for the RTA board, although he knows little about transit, barely uses it

Acree admitted to a City Council committee that he usually drives, feels uncomfortable critiquing Dorval Carter, and had never heard of the region's looming $730M transit shortfall before.

One agency to rule them all: Advocates are cautiously optimistic about proposed bill to combine the 4 Chicago area transit bureaus

The Active Transportation Alliance, Commuters Take Action, and Equiticity weigh in on the proposed legislation.

May 1, 2024

Johnson appoints one West Side pastor to CTA board, then nominates another West Side pastor for RTA board

Supporters argue that, despite his lack of transit expertise, Ira Acree’s social justice experience and political connections could be an asset for the RTA board.

April 26, 2024

A stroke of good fortune: RTA asks CDOT to include bus lanes in the Bally’s Casino viaduct reconstruction

The Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the three local transit agencies, is using a little muscle to persuade CDOT to include better bus accommodations.

March 19, 2024

Metra approves 2024 budget, creating new fare structure

Second time was the charm for the Metra fare revamp, as the railroad’s board unanimously approved the new fare policy.

November 13, 2023