State lawmakers met Thursday to discuss how to avoid a large public transit budget shortfall and the plan that was discussed could mean toll increases and public charging station fees for electric vehicles.

RTA Chair Kirk Dillard says a new Illinois transit bill would leave agencies $400M short, forcing service cuts in 2026 despite proposed new revenue streams.

State lawmakers have until Saturday to fill a budget gap facing the CTA, Metra and Pace. A new plan would see the transportation authority renamed, create a universal fare system and fill the gap to avoid layoffs and service cuts.

Illinois lawmakers consider a toll hike and other measures to address an expected $771 million financial shortfall for Chicago-area public transit.

New proposals in Springfield would give a revamped transit agency more control over CTA, Metra and Pace while raising funds through new taxes and surcharges.

The bill would replace the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees CTA, Metra, and Pace, with a new entity called the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. It would be charged with creating a universal fare system and ensuring coordination of service and capital projects.

A new plan to reform public transit that emerged Wednesday in the General Assembly would establish the Northern Illinois Transportation Authority in place of the Regional Transportation Authority and

A new bill would rename the RTA and give it expanded control over CTA, Metra and Pace — including new power over fares, budgets and the CTA board.