Chicago's Transit Funding and ADA Ride-Share Program Revival
JB Pritzker’s recent signature on a historic transit funding bill will provide an additional $1.5 billion annually to Illinois’ underfunded transit systems, starting in the latter half of 2026. New taxes are projected to generate nearly $320 million for transit by the end of that year.
Funding Timeline and Impact
Officials caution that the full transformational impact on public transit will not be realized until 2027, when approximately $1.2 billion in new funding will be available to the CTA, Metra, and Pace systems.
ADA Ride-Share Program Expansion
In the meantime, next year’s funds will support workforce stabilization and the restoration of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ride-share program that was nearly cut. During a special meeting of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), officials confirmed this progress.
- The RTA board approved revised 2026 budget allocations.
- $56 million will be directed to Pace’s Taxi Access Program (TAP) and Ride-share Access Program (RAP).
"JB Pritzker’s signature is set to pump an additional $1.5 billion a year into the state’s money-starved transit system."
"There is enough cash expected next year to shore up the system’s workforce and expand an ADA ride-share program."
The renewed funding aims to revive critical transportation services for disabled riders and maintain a stable workforce ahead of broader transit improvements.
Author's summary: Illinois will boost transit funding with $1.5 billion annually starting in late 2026, prioritizing restoration of ADA ride-share services and workforce support before full improvements arrive in 2027.