We cannot create a world-class transit system unless we make critical investments in the system now.  In working with the CTA, Metra and Pace, the RTA has identified $10 billion in state capital funds needed to be invested over the next five years to maintain, enhance and expand our system.

• Our transit system is the second largest in the nation, providing more than 2 million rides daily.
• The CTA, Metra and Pace operate more than:
  • 3,800 buses and vans
  • 2,300 train cars
  • 1,490 miles of train track
  • 915 bridges
  • And over 300 rail stations
• Just to maintain the system in its current condition, the RTA and Service Boards should be investing at least $1 billion each year - and that does not include any funding for service improvements or expansions to the system.

Because funding has not been available, maintenance and repairs have been delayed and replacement of aging vehicles has been put off.  This results in less reliable service, slow zones, more pollution and higher maintenance costs.  Unfortunately, the state of Illinois has approved only one capital funding program in the last 20 years and it is time we make the choice to improve the system.

The longer we delay these investments, the more expensive it will be to fix our aging infrastructure. Transit provides tremendous benefits to this region. It dramatically reduces congestion, cuts air pollution and provides access to jobs, healthcare and education to millions of people each day. But these benefits are at risk if we don’t act now.