An Illinois Senate Transportation committee recently hosted the first in a series of public hearings to discuss the possibility to merge the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace into a single public transit agency. This initiative comes as legislators face a $730 million funding deficit for the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) projected for 2026.

The hearings will focus on various aspects of the state’s transit system, including its economic impact, public health benefits, and the necessity for service and governance reforms. Among the key proposals under consideration is a potentially controversial plan to consolidate local transit authorities.

Proponents of consolidation see the merger as a way to streamline operations. Meanwhile, opponents fear that consolidation could result in a de facto Chicago takeover of suburban transportation systems.

While stakeholders may disagree about how to move forward, they all point to a similar ultimate goal of creating a transit system that is not only dependable and accessible but also financially sustainable.

Further hearings are scheduled to continue July 24.