* WTTW…
The Regional Transportation Authority is pitching what it calls a “historic restructuring” that would grant the agency authority to more aggressively coordinate fare policy, service standards and capital projects among CTA, Metra and Pace — reforms the RTA said could create both cost savings and a vastly improved rider experience.
The proposal comes as the Chicago region’s transit agencies are facing down an estimated $750 million fiscal cliff next year when COVID-19 relief money runs out — and amid conversations in Springfield about tying increased transit funding to major changes to the existing public transit structure. Some lawmakers have floated merging RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace into a single agency, coupled with an additional $1.5 billion in annual funding.
The transit agencies have cheered the proposed funding boost, noting that Illinois invests far less in transit than other states — but have thrown cold water on the idea of a merger, arguing it won’t create the efficiencies or service improvements backers hope.
RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden said the new proposal, set to be outlined by RTA Board Chairman Kirk Dillard in a Wednesday speech at the City Club, is the culmination of more than two years of work that can serve as a roadmap for lawmakers debating transit’s future during the General Assembly’s spring session.
* From the proposal…
• RTA leads a one-stop-shop contact center for all rider issues, including Ventra/ticket purchasing, free and reduced rider certification, and ADA paratransit certification
• RTA manages and sets all fare policy, including unified fare products
• RTA leads development of a universal app for all fare payment, consolidates special fare programs, and expands Access pilot for riders experiencing low incomes region-wide
• RTA sets uniform customer information design standards and centralizes deployment of real-time tracking information
It also wants a lot of control over capital spending. But there’s nothing in there about coordinating schedules between the systems beyond setting some minimum performance standards for buses and trains to cut rider wait times “by as much as 50%.”
* The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition is not happy…
In response to the Regional Transportation Authority’s announcement of their plans to “transform transit” today, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition released the following statement:
“Illinoisans deserve and want a transformed transit system outlined in the Clean and Equitable Transportation Act (CETA) that coordinates smooth, accessible and equitable service, connects folks to affordable, active modes of transportation, and mitigates air and climate pollution. Today’s announcement from RTA reminds riders of many failed promises over the last decade, and is another too little, too late half-measure that puts holding on to power above the needs of riders and taxpayers. Legislative leaders in Springfield have made it clear there is no new revenue to improve transit without major reforms.”
Its membership list, which includes the Illinois Environmental Council, is here.
- Dan Johnson - Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 12:48 pm:
Sincere question: does RTA have the statutory authority to do all these helpful things now? But just hasn’t had the votes on their board to authorize their staff to do it? I think that’s right for at least some of these helpful proposals. (And if that’s true, perhaps they should get started on them now, even if it makes for a non-unanimous board vote). Anyway it is great to see such a focus on expanded frequency and expanded ridership. That is the whole point.
- New Day - Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 1:04 pm:
CJC puts out a statement dissing it probably before they even read it. Not surprised. But here’s the thing. Between the three agencies, RTA seems to be the least dysfunctional of the agencies. I’ve read their proposal and there’s a lot of good to build on. How about saying what you like about it and offering ideas for improvement instead of just slamming it?
Btw, I saw the big CTA vision too. It was a joke. This is a much better plan on which to build.
- You win more bees with honey - Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 1:16 pm:
The clean jobs coalition wants to lead this but this is what they have been talking to people about wanting down the line. Progressives always get in their own way.
- Moe Berg - Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 1:33 pm:
The CJC reaction makes it seem like Dillard called for abolishing mass transit in NE Illinois.
- Excitable Boy - Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 1:45 pm:
These transit issues have all spiraled out of control under Dillard’s watch. Why on earth is he still there?
- ChicagoBars - Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 2:05 pm:
Have any of these transit agencies released their “fiscal cliff” plans if no new funding is approved? Ideally broken down by with/without fare increases? Because a grand transit “solution” with or without new revenue feels far away.
- Interested Bystander - Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 2:12 pm:
This proposal is a turf battle offensive, not a real solution. Dillard has not been shy about letting legislators know he believes the answer to Illinois public transportation issues is to let RTA take over. Anyone who rides Metra knows they have their own reliability and fiscal responsibility issues. All the current players have a hand in the current mess. Time for a fresh start, not a hostile takeover by one branch.
- James the Intolerant - Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 2:24 pm:
@ChicagoBars, here at Metra they are finally looking at budgets to cut 10%, which could almost be achieved by eliminating vacancies. They have been fiddling for years, throwing out the 40% cut scare tactics.