US EditionChicago risks severe cuts to transit. Its poorest suburbs could be hit even harder
- Chicago faces severe transit service cuts as officials warn of possible reductions starting as early as this weekend in the city and its suburbs.
- The budget shortfall of $770 million, driven by fewer riders and the upcoming expiration of federal COVID-19 aid, is leading to proposed cuts as Illinois lawmakers work to finalize funding before their session concludes.
- Suburban bus system PACE, serving low-income areas like Harvey where over 25% live below the poverty line, could halt buses on weekends and evenings without additional funds, worsening transportation access for many residents.
- Executive Melinda Metzger said, "The downside for this is disastrous," while officials project service cuts of at least 40%, which would not provide viable rides and cause ridership to plummet accordingly.
- While a new umbrella organization aims to improve transit governance, experts note recovering service after cuts is slow, and the crisis highlights broader nationwide funding challenges faced by transit agencies in cities like Philadelphia.
50 Articles
50 Articles
One in four families does not have a car and is dependent on public transport. And the government is now going to cut 335 million. The region will notice that, say Jan Daenen and Charlotte de Roo.
Associated Press News
Chicago risks severe cuts to transit. Its poorest suburbs could be hit even harder
The Chicago area is facing the prospect of bleak service cuts to public transit if Illinois legislators adjourn this weekend without plugging a $770 million hole in the transportation budget.
Mass transit reform legislation revealed but funding stream finds pushback – Center Square
State Sen. Ram Villivalam has called for reforms to mass transit in the state, but also investing $1.5 billion into the system. “If we don’t do this, 40 percent of cuts in service, more than 3,000 public transit workers will get pink slips in the mail, and that we believe is not an option,” he said.
Illinois Teamsters Demand Lawmakers Prevent Catastrophic Cuts to Public Transportation
(CHICAGO) – Teamsters were joined by other members of the Labor Alliance for Public Transit today at Union Station in Chicago, where the union coalition demanded that Illinois legislators improve the state’s public transportation infrastructure and address the funding crisis facing state agencies. “Metra keeps the economic engine of Illinois running. Every day we connect people to opportunity,” said Brandon Stewart, a member of the Brotherhood o…
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