Illinois passes $1.5B transit law to prevent cuts, fund upgrades, and launch unified fares by 2030.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a $1.5 billion annual transit funding law effective June 2026, averting service cuts and stabilizing Chicago-area transit. The law redirects gas tax revenue, road fund interest, and raises sales taxes in Cook and suburban counties, with nearly $150 million going to areas outside Cook County. A new Northern Illinois Transit Authority will oversee planning and accountability, while CTA, Metra, and Pace manage operations. Safety measures include a 2027 transit ambassador program and a rider reporting app. A unified fare system will launch by 2030.