RTA officials brief McHenry County on new transit funding and governance changes under state bill
Summary
RTA representatives updated the McHenry County Board on state legislation (cited in the record as Senate Bill 2111) that will add roughly $1.25 billion in annual operating funding statewide and an estimated $478 million annually to the RTA region, lower the statutory fare recovery ratio and move governance toward a Northern Illinois Transit
RTA representatives visited the McHenry County Board Nov. 13 to outline major changes in a recently approved state transit bill (referred to in the meeting as "senate bill 21 11"). Director Sager framed the legislation as transformational: the bill is expected to bring about $1.25 billion in new annual operating funding to transit statewide and an estimated $478 million annually to the RTA region, provide capital resources for a multi-year program and avoid near-term service cuts, layoffs and fare increases.
Key elements explained by RTA staff: the bill establishes a larger regional funding pool (major revenue from motor-fuel sales tax and an RTA sales-tax component), shifts governance into a new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA/NIDA) with new appointment structures and an expanded board, and temporarily reduces the legally required fare "recovery ratio" from 50% historically to 25% (transitioning toward 20% in later years) to align funding expectations with post-pandemic ridership realities. Kevin Buyso (RTA CFO) noted timing details: some revenues would not materialize until mid-to-late 2026, so reserves and transitional plans will be used to avoid service cuts in 2026.
Board concern and next steps: members asked clarifying questions about supermajority definitions for major decisions under the new board structure and requested continued Collar-Counties coordination to preserve regional interests. RTA staff said IDOT and transition working groups will hire consultants and refine details during the implementation phase; the RTA board must act on some reallocations within statutory timelines next year.
Why it matters: the legislation alters the revenue base, governance and capital planning for transit across the Chicago region and the Collar Counties; local officials said they will monitor the NITA transition to protect Collar-County priorities and ensure capital investments (including potential projects in McHenry County) are equitably considered.
