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PACE, RTA and Metra brief DuPage transportation committee after passage of Senate Bill 2111; fare increases paused and paratransit access maintained
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Summary
Representatives from PACE, the Regional Transportation Authority and Metra told the DuPage County Transportation Committee that the recent passage of Senate Bill 2111 secures new regional operating funding, pauses planned fare increases, and preserves paratransit and taxi-access services while agencies revise service plans.
Representatives from PACE, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and Metra addressed the DuPage County Transportation Committee to outline how the recent passage of Senate Bill 2111 affects regional transit funding, service planning and rider programs.
Chris Rose, representing PACE, said the legislation provides funding that will allow PACE to maintain and expand service and to delay previously proposed fare increases. Rose said PACE will release a draft revised network plan in early 2026 and highlighted recent local service changes in DuPage County — added trips on routes serving River Road, York Road and Roosevelt Road, expanded hours and weekend frequency on several routes, and work on expressway and pulse rapid transit initiatives. Rose told the committee the legislation ‘‘holds fares steady for the first year to allow agencies to stabilize systems’’ and said funding will allow continuation of programs that provide access for riders with disabilities.
Kendra Johnson of the RTA said the passage of Senate Bill 2111 is a ‘‘landmark moment for public transit in Illinois’’ that provides stable operating funding and governance changes, including transitioning the RTA to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority and new coordination requirements. Johnson said the RTA will hold a special board meeting Thursday at 8:30 a.m. to revise 2026 operating funding marks and that the RTA is scheduled to present to the DuPage County Board on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. about the bill’s implications and updated budget marks.
Julio, a mobility outreach coordinator with the RTA, said the agency is soliciting resident feedback via online blogs and surveys and reported an operational change for ADA paratransit permit holders: when using CTA or PACE services they can tap their cards to receive free rides, and Metra riders with ADA paratransit permits should present them as a FlashPass for free Metra rides; personal care attendants approved on a rider’s permit may ride at a reduced rate where applicable.
Dimitry Scopus of Metra said Metra is rolling back its proposed 2026 fare increase and will continue to prioritize bridge rehabilitation and station platform work in DuPage County, listing local projects in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Westmont, Hinsdale Highlands and Downers Grove. Metra representatives said several DuPage station projects are at or near 90–100% design and additional shelter and platform work is beginning on other stations.
Committee members responded positively to the funding news. Member Evans described the development as ‘‘a relief’’ and thanked PACE for the update. No formal committee action was taken on the presentations; the updates followed a series of committee approvals and the meeting then adjourned.
What the record shows and what it does not: presenters repeatedly referenced Senate Bill 2111 and the effect of its passage; the committee discussed hold on fare increases and continuation of paratransit-related programs. The transcript does not include final, board‑adopted revised budgets or the RTA/Metra/PACE final network plans, which are to be developed and published in subsequent public processes.
