RTA Report Recommends Income-Based Fares. The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has recently released a pivotal report titled “Building a More Equitable Fare Structure.” This report underscores the pressing need for reform in the Chicago transit system, particularly in light of the $730 million transit fiscal cliff facing Chicagoland. The proposal advocates for income-based fares to make transit more accessible and affordable for lower-income residents, seniors, and people with disabilities.
The Challenge: Chicago Transit Fiscal Cliff
Chicago’s transit system heavily relies on fare revenue to cover operating costs. The pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of this reliance, prompting the RTA to explore alternative funding strategies. With a projected $730 million budget gap beginning in 2026, the need for a sustainable solution is urgent.
Key Recommendations From The RTA Report
Expanding Free And Reduced Fare Programs
The report emphasizes the importance of fully funding existing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit and other free and reduced fare programs. Currently, the RTA, CTA, Metra, and Pace offer at least 15 specialized fare programs, benefiting over 317,000 people and providing more than 82 million rides annually. Pace’s ADA Paratransit service, the second largest in the nation, offers over 4 million trips each year.
“Chicago’s regional transit system gives hundreds of thousands of residents with disabilities and older adults independence through existing Americans with Disabilities Act Paratransit and Reduced Fare and Ride Free programs,” states the report.
Regional Access Program
To address the budget gap, the RTA proposes the creation of an income-based reduced fare program called Regional Access. This initiative aims to ensure affordable access to transportation for all residents, particularly those with low incomes, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
“The recommendations outlined in this report are crucial steps toward a more just and inclusive public transit system for the Chicago region,” said Ted Villaire, communications director of Active Transportation Alliance.
Collaborative Pricing And Technological Investments
The report also calls for investments in technology and funding reform to unlock collaborative pricing policies across the region. This includes integrating fare structures for all transit modes, such as CTA buses and Metra trains, to provide seamless and affordable transit options.
Advocacy And Support
Various advocacy groups and leaders have expressed strong support for the report’s recommendations. Commuters Take Action cofounder Fabio Göttlicher emphasized the need for an integrated fare structure, while Audrey Wennink, director of transportation at the Metropolitan Planning Council, highlighted the alignment with regional transportation plans.
“We believe that we should have an integrated fare structure for all modes of transit in the Chicago region,” Göttlicher said.
Addressing The Funding Challenge
Despite widespread support for income-based fares, the challenge of covering the associated costs remains. The report suggests that increased funding for transit is essential to sustain and expand these programs. This aligns with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency of Planning’s recommendation of a $1.5 billion increase in regional transit funding.
“We all know that there’s the large funding gap that will hit the transit agencies at the end of 2025,” Wennink concluded. “So this needs to be considered holistically.”
Conclusion
The RTA’s “Building a More Equitable Fare Structure” report presents a comprehensive plan to address the financial and accessibility challenges facing Chicago’s transit system. By prioritizing equity and sustainability, the proposed income-based fare programs and collaborative pricing policies have the potential to transform the lives of countless residents, ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial barriers. As the region approaches the looming fiscal cliff, these recommendations offer a path forward toward a more inclusive and resilient transit system.