Here is what Regional Transportation Executive Director Leanne Redden told the County Board at its November meeting:
Leanne Redden, Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Executive Director, joined for the presentation.
The RTA was presenting its 2025 budget to the McHenry County Board’s Committee of the Whole.
As the regional authority overseeing the CTA, Metra, and Pace transit agencies, the RTA is required to come before the county board annually to discuss their budget plans.
Leanne Redden, the RTA Executive Director, provided the presentation. She emphasized that the RTA region, while only 10% of Illinois’ land area, represents 74% of the state’s economic output.
This underscores how critical a robust public transportation system is to supporting the regional economy.
Ms. Redden highlighted that the transit agencies have shown resilience and creativity in adapting service during the pandemic, with ridership now reaching 80% of pre-COVID levels, especially on weekdays and weekends.
However, the key focus of the presentation was the impending “fiscal cliff” the RTA is facing in 2026.
When federal COVID relief funds run out, the RTA is projecting a 20% budget shortfall, which could translate to 40% service cuts across the region if not addressed.
To avoid this dire scenario, the RTA is advocating for the Illinois legislature to provide long-term, sustainable funding for transit operations.
This includes increasing state funding, eliminating restrictive fare recovery requirements, and fully funding reduced/free fare programs.
The RTA is also proposing reforms to increase transparency and accountability, such as regional coordination of fares and service standards.
The goal is to ensure the transit system can be maintained and expanded to meet the region’s needs.
The RTA’s presentation to the McHenry County Board was part of their broader outreach efforts to secure the necessary legislative support and funding to avert the looming fiscal crisis for regional public transportation.
Full comments can be heard on the McHenry County website audio starting at 00:09:35
