Chicago's New Transit Funding to Boost Disability Ride-Share Program
JB Pritzker's approval will add $1.5 billion annually to Illinois' underfunded transit systems, starting in late 2026 when new taxes are projected to generate nearly $320 million for transit.
Officials revealed at a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) meeting that an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ride-share program, previously facing cuts, will be revived using funds from the state's historic transit funding legislation passed in Springfield last week.
Funding Timeline and Impact
The new revenue will begin flowing in the second half of 2026, but the total amount will not be sufficient that year for major improvements. Substantial changes are expected in 2027, when approximately $1.2 billion in additional funding will support CTA, Metra, and Pace transit services.
Immediate Uses in 2026
- Stabilize transit workforce
- Expand ADA ride-share initiatives
The RTA board approved adjusted 2026 budget allocations, dedicating $56 million to Pace’s Taxi Access Program (TAP) and Ride-share Access Program (RAP).
“JB Pritzker’s signature is set to pump an additional $1.5 billion a year into the state’s money-starved transit system. But the additional revenue won’t kick in until the last half of 2026, when new taxes are expected to raise nearly $320 million for transit by year’s end.”
“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.”
The restored funding for the ADA ride-share program will improve access and mobility for people with disabilities, reflecting a significant step toward equitable transit services across the state.
Summary: Chicago’s historic transit funding, starting in late 2026, will prioritize ADA ride-share programs and stabilize transit systems, with transformative transit changes expected in 2027.