CTA Saved From Massive Cuts As State Lawmakers Pass $1.5 Billion Funding Bill For Local Transit

CHICAGO — State lawmakers passed a $1.5 billion funding package early Friday to avoid massive service cuts and layoffs at the CTA, Metra and Pace.

The Regional Transportation Authority — which oversees the three transit agencies — had been staring down a $202 million budget gap in 2026. The funding bill fills that gap — and makes changes to how the transit agencies are overseen, including eliminating the RTA.

“This funding means that there will be no layoffs or service cuts,” acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen said in a statement. “With these funds, we will expand our bus and rail service, invest in new technologies, and implement new strategies to support our riders and employees.”