The RTA Helps to You Enjoy the Ride!

December 26, 2017

As we head into 2018, I wanted to take a moment to look back on 2017 and share what the RTA has accomplished.  We think of you, the riders, in all we do.  We are proud to serve you every day and look forward to continuing to do so in 2018 and beyond.

As a daily transit rider, taking CTA and Metra into and around Chicago nearly every day, I know first-hand the region’s achievements and challenges.

It’s no secret that the lack of funding for public transportation has been at the forefront of our issues this past year. Challenging economic times and limited State funding combined to reduce the regional transit operating budget by close to $100 million dollars. We’re looking at a similar budget gap in 2018. As a result, the RTA and Service Boards had to make some difficult choices. This year, this includes fare increases in the 2018 operating budget.

Even with these challenges, 2017 was a year of great collaboration between the RTA and Service Boards to benefit you, the rider. Even if you don’t ride the system, you benefit from it: the region’s system attracts jobs and employers and keeps cars off of our already clogged roadways.

The Board and I are extremely proud of the work the RTA staff does day in and day out and, as we look ahead to 2018, we look forward to another year of collaboration and service.