Chicago’s New Transit Funding to Revive Disability Ride-Share Program
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has approved a plan to inject an additional $1.5 billion annually into the state’s transit systems. However, this new funding will not begin until the latter half of 2026, when new taxes are projected to generate nearly $320 million for transit that year.
Initial Impact of Transit Funding
Though 2026’s funding falls short of enabling major public transit improvements, it will support essential workforce stability and the revival of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ride-share programs. These programs, previously at risk of discontinuation, will receive renewed funding from the recent historic transit bill.
Specific Allocation for ADA Ride-Share Programs
- The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) approved 2026 budget adjustments on Thursday, dedicating $56 million to Pace’s Taxi Access Program (TAP) and Ride-share Access Program (RAP).
- The comprehensive “transformational” changes to CTA, Metra, and Pace transit services are expected to begin in 2027 with $1.2 billion in additional funding.
"JB Pritzker’s signature is set to pump an additional $1.5 billion a year into the state’s money-starved transit system."
Officials emphasize that the full scope of improvements will come once the complete increased funding is available in 2027.
Summary
While substantial transit funding arrives gradually, the state’s immediate focus will be restoring vital ADA ride-share services and stabilizing transit staffing in 2026.
"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."
Author’s note: The phased funding approach reflects a pragmatic step toward improving Illinois public transit, prioritizing accessibility and workforce needs ahead of larger system-wide changes.