$1.5 Billion Funding Bill Passed for City Transit Systems 

State lawmakers passed a $1.5 billion funding deal Oct. 31, relieving the CTA, Metra and Pace from service cuts and layoffs in 2026. With the help of Senate Bill 2111, transit systems will be able to continue projects and overall quality improvement.

Chicago transit companies previously faced a $771 million deficit in 2026 after grants provided by the Covid Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act expired.

Additionally, the Trump administration’s withholding of $2.1 billion from Chicago’s infrastructure project funding caused concern regarding the expansion of current CTA projects such as the Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Project.

The CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said the bill provides a transformational level of funding for the CTA and its services.

“As a result of this bill, the CTA will be fully funded,” Leehrsen wrote in a statement to The Phoenix. “This funding means that there will be no layoffs or service cuts.”

With these funds, the CTA will expand their bus and rail service, invest in new technologies and implement new strategies to support their riders and employees, according to Leehrsen.

Senate Bill 2111 was passed as a plan to keep transit services strong and stable during a time of uncertainty regarding federal support, State Senator Mike Simmons wrote in a statement to The Phoenix.

Following two years of deliberation, Illinois legislators were able to come to a long term solution to prevent cuts and modernize the CTA, Metra and Pace, according to Simmons.

Simmons said the bill will prevent riders from overpaying fares and allow transit services to reach their frequency and reliability goals.

“The Northeastern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) will also set up a universal fare system, allowing for unified ticketing between CTA, PACE and Metra, as well as a fare-capping system to prevent riders from overpaying fares,” Simmons said. “Universal fare, centralized service planning and $1.5 billion in sustainable annual funding are some of the key factors that will contribute to increased frequency and reliability for buses and trains.”

With the support of 37 sponsors in both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives, second-year psychology major Alyssa Sweis said the bill represents the dedication Illinois senators and representatives have towards their constituents’ needs.

Sweis said she thinks the state government making an effort to override the federal government’s defunding efforts shows the important values Chicago holds.

“The fact people are speaking out about what’s going on and taking the correct steps to do what is right for all Chicagoans makes me proud,” Sweis said.

Second-year business management and finance major Jinil Patel said he agrees with Sweis and thinks the actions of state legislators speak to the morals and beliefs of the city.

“Chicagoans are for the community and for the people,” Patel said.

With this new budget, workforce levels and service delivery rates are higher than they’ve been in years, and the CTA plans to reach even higher, Leehrsen said.

Leehrsen said she’s thankful to the state legislative leaders, the Chicago Transit Board, the leadership of Amalgamated Transit Union Locals 241 and 308, transit advocates and others for fighting for transit funding for the last several years.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with many of these dedicated individuals during this process and have seen first-hand their commitment to securing a better, stronger financial future for our agency,” Leerhsen said.

Second-year philosophy major Roman Mauskopf said he finds the current CTA train lines to be extensive and efficient, but he thinks adding more buses and lines to the CTA system would be a beneficial use of the allocated money. 

The cleanliness of the trains and platforms is another smart point of investment, according to Mauskopf.

“The CTA should focus on keeping things clean, sanitary and pleasant for everybody,” Mauskopf said.

Sweis said investing in new safety measures would be a good use of the new funding. Having experienced safety threats on the CTA’s Red Line, Sweis said she thinks more security should be present on platforms and trains.

Both Sweis and Patel said they think more public outreach should be circulating to keep Chicagoans up to date with current matters, specifically regarding the CTA and this new funding bill.

As a lifelong public transportation user, Simmons said he considers this bill to be one of the most significant investments in public transit in Illinois history.

“It reflects what’s possible when lawmakers, labor advocates and riders work together to strengthen a system millions rely on every day,” Simmons said.