Metra responds to Chicago transit merger proposal

Metra wants "to be part of the conversation" about the future of public transportation in northeast Illinois, the commuter railroad announced yesterday in response to a proposed bill that calls for combining Chicago-area rail and bus agencies.

The Illinois General Assembly will consider a bill (HB-5823) that calls for merging Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority, Pace and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) under the direction of a newly created Metropolitan Mobility Authority, which would manage and operate the region's passenger-rail and bus service.

In a statement, Metra officials said they applauded the state lawmakers that introduced the bill for "starting the conversation" about what the future of public transportation in the region should be in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We share the view that this is an opportunity to improve public transportation for this and future generations," they said, and described the railroad's various actions to adjust service during and after the pandemic.

"Metra is facing a fiscal cliff in 2026, just like its sister agencies in the region, CTA and Pace, and like other transit agencies across the country," Metra officials said. "Some peer agencies are facing a fiscal cliff even sooner. It is caused by the pandemic-related changes to work patterns and commutes, which appear to be permanent. And it cannot be solved with fare increases and/or service cuts without devastating, counterproductive consequences."

They acknowledged the "generous" federal, state and local financial that Metra has received over the years, especially during the pandemic.

"Metra stands ready to continue its work on behalf of regional riders and taxpayers," they added. "We want to be transparent; we want to listen to all stakeholders to address our funding issues; and we want to be part of the conversation to create the best possible public transportation system for the region."

To read Metra's entire statement, click here.