Chicago's new transit money, set to arrive in late 2026, will first revive disability ride-share program

Chicago's New Transit Funding to Revive Disability Ride-Share Program

JB Pritzker’s approval will inject an additional $1.5 billion annually into Illinois’ underfunded transit systems, starting in the latter half of 2026. New taxes expected to generate nearly $320 million for transit by the end of that year were announced at a special Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) meeting on Thursday.

While this funding boost marks a significant increase, officials caution that 2026’s revenue is insufficient for the promised “transformational” improvements in public transit. They anticipate these major changes to take effect in 2027, when an expected $1.2 billion additional funding will support Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace operations.

Revival of ADA Ride-Share Programs

In the meantime, the funds available in 2026 will help stabilize the transit workforce and expand programs for passengers with disabilities. The RTA board approved updated budget figures that allocate $56 million to Pace’s Taxi Access Program (TAP) and Ride-share Access Program (RAP), aimed at enhancing accessibility for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) riders.

JB Pritzker’s signature is set to pump an additional $1.5 billion a year into the state's money-starved transit system.
Officials say to expect that in 2027, when a full $1.2 billion in extra funding is expected for the CTA, Metra and Pace.
The RTA board on Thursday signed off on tweaked budget numbers for 2026 that allocate $56 million to Pace’s Taxi Access Program and Ride-share Access Program, known as TAP and RAP.

Summary

State transit funding starting late 2026 will initially focus on strengthening disability ride-share programs before larger transit improvements begin in 2027.

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Chicago Sun-Times Chicago Sun-Times — 2025-11-06

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