State lawmakers and transit advocates are pointing to the management structure of Chicago's public transportation system as a major hurdle alongside its projected budget deficit. The Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the CTA, METRA, and Pace, faces a significant funding gap beginning next year, widely termed the Transit Fiscal Cliff.
While agency leaders warn of service cuts without new funding, critics argue the current governance model contributes to the problem. With four separate agencies and numerous board members, coordination of planning, policy, and fares across the region proves difficult.
Rep. Kam Buckner is among those who believe structural reform must accompany any legislative effort to increase funding. He notes that past financial crises in the 1970s, 1980s, and 2008 were addressed primarily with cash infusions without fixing underlying governance issues.
Rep. Buckner has voiced frustration over agency spending during the current financial strain, citing reports of the RTA spending on a fiscal cliff marketing campaign and METRA paying lobbyist fees. He advocates for agencies to engage directly with riders through town halls and listening sessions to build trust and earn public support.
Nik Hunder, a transit advocate, agrees that warnings about the fiscal situation are necessary. However, he states that the CTA in particular has a history of not being fully transparent with the public. By contrast, he views METRA as more fiscally responsible and notes its efforts in seeking riders' input and following through.
Despite concerns about agency communication and structure, Hunder stressed the need for funding. He highlighted that Chicago's economy depends on its transit system and failing to fund it would decrease regional economic output and further disconnect communities.
Proposals exist to consolidate the RTA, CTA, METRA, and Pace into a single Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Proponents argue a unified agency could improve planning and efficiency.
A recent fiscal stability report also suggested that transit agencies could strengthen their finances through operational efficiency and increasing non-farebox revenue.
The debate centers on whether state legislators should prioritize filling the immediate budget gap or use the current crisis as an opportunity to force long-delayed governance changes.
Nik Hunder believes accountability must accompany funding. "If I'm helping provide the $1.5B agencies seek, I want some honestly attached to it, no matter how bad the outlook is," Hunder stated.