Chicago's New Transit Funds Will Revive Disability Ride-Share Program
Governor JB Pritzker’s signature will inject an additional $1.5 billion annually into Illinois’ underfunded transit network, according to a statement made Thursday during a special meeting of the Regional Transportation Authority.
The new funding, part of the state’s recently approved transit bill, will not take effect until the second half of 2026. New taxes are expected to generate about $320 million for transit that year.
Officials clarified that this initial amount will not be sufficient to achieve the promised large-scale transformation of public transportation. Those major improvements are projected for 2027, when a full $1.2 billion boost will reach the CTA, Metra, and Pace systems.
Immediate Funding Priorities
Even before the full funding arrives, enough money is expected in 2026 to strengthen workforce support and restore services that had been threatened with cuts.
An Americans with Disabilities Act ride-share program that was on the chopping block is set to be revived with money from the state’s historic transit funding bill.
The RTA board approved revised budget figures allocating $56 million to Pace’s Taxi Access Program and Ride-share Access Program, commonly known as TAP and RAP.
Funding Overview
- $1.5 billion annual increase starting in 2026
- $320 million expected in new transit tax revenue by end of 2026
- $1.2 billion in additional support projected for 2027
- $56 million allocated to Pace’s TAP and RAP programs
Author’s Summary
Illinois’ long-awaited transit funding will first restore vital accessibility programs before driving major expansion in 2027.