Marni Pyke

4 days ago | shawlocal.com | Marni Pyke |Susan Sarkauskas

Legislation proposing a menu of fees and taxes to fill a gaping budget hole facing Metra, Pace and the CTA falls short, a Regional Transportation Authority analysis indicated Friday. “We are grateful for the Senate focusing on the fiscal cliff, however, as proposed, the new revenue included in (Thursday’s) Senate bill fails to address the region’s $771 million transit operating budget gap and would result in significant service cuts in 2026,” RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard said.

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | Marni Pyke

Illinois senators on Thursday debated an ambitious plan to save public transit from a massive budget shortfall with ideas that include a toll increase as well as extension of Chicago real estate taxes and rideshare fees to the suburbs. Metra, Pace and the CTA are facing a $770 million budget hole in 2026. A Metra outbound train arrives at the Mount Prospect station on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | Marni Pyke

Illinois lawmakers are considering new legislation that would create the Northern Illinois Transportation Authority to replace the Regional Transportation Authority and help oversee regional transit services. John Starks/[email protected], 2024 A new plan to reform public transit that emerged Wednesday in the General Assembly would establish the Northern Illinois Transportation Authority in place of the Regional Transportation Authority and create one universal fare system.

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | Marni Pyke

Drivers can expect delays and road closures on Route 83 near Oak Brook, as Illinois tollway engineers assess damage to the bridge over the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88). The underside of the bridge was hit by a construction excavator being hauled by a truck traveling west on I-88 shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Illinois State Police said. Vehicles travel on westbound I-88 near Route 83 in Oak Brook.

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | Marni Pyke

The conflict between Metra and the Union Pacific is deepening over the cost of the commuter railroad using the freight giant’s tracks. Last week, UP presented Metra with new pricing to access its lines in the Chicago region, effective July 1. “While we would rather have an agreement in place with Metra, after nearly six years (of negotiations), it is time to move forward,” CEO Jim Vena told Metra in a letter. A Metra Union Pacific West Line waits at a station.