Save Transit Now

What is at stake for Chicago's transit system

Without a funding solution by the end of the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session, the Chicago region’s transit system will be decimated—leaving one in five workers in the City of Chicago without the use of transit for their daily commute; ending all weekend bus service for Pace customers; eliminating early morning and late evening service for Metra; wiping out nearly 3,000 transit jobs; and dealing a devastating blow to the regional economy.

"This isn’t just a transit crisis—it’s a regional emergency," said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden. "If the General Assembly does not act this spring, hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans will wake up in 2026 without a way to get to work, school or medical appointments. This doomsday scenario can still be avoided as long as our state partners vote to fully fund transit operations before it’s too late."

It doesn't have to be this way

An empowered RTA, supported by sustainable increased funding, can transform transit in the Chicago region. With $1.5 billion in additional operating funding, service investments could include more frequency that could cut customer wait times in half.

Frequency unlocks freedom; the freedom to step outside and trust that a bus or train will be there. It’s the kind of freedom that transforms a city and connects a region.

Sign the letter on this page to share your story with lawmakers about why we need to save transit now.

What is at stake for Chicago's transit system

It doesn't have to be this way

Read more about the fiscal cliff

Thank you!