Chicago, IL – With just one week left for Illinois lawmakers to prevent a looming fiscal cliff in public transit, Chicago-area workers, riders, and advocates gathered Thursday to demand urgent state action and $1.5 billion in new dedicated funding.
According to the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), if the Illinois General Assembly fails to pass a funding package before the end of the veto session on Thursday, October 30, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace could face widespread layoffs, service cuts, route eliminations, and halted safety and infrastructure projects.
Transit unions and planning groups say the crisis could have a lasting impact on the region’s economy. The rally at LaSalle Street Station featured representatives from Amalgamated Transit Union Locals 308 and 241, the Metropolitan Planning Council, and SMART-TD 171, as well as transit riders and maintenance workers.
Participants emphasized the need for a sustainable, long-term funding plan to prevent service reductions that would affect commuters across Northeastern Illinois. Advocates warn that without action this veto session, the fiscal shortfall could grow even larger by 2027, leading to deeper cuts and economic consequences statewide.
