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RTA warns of fiscal cliff, paratransit riders could face deep cuts

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 17:40 GMT by FOX 32
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RTA’s “Fiscal Cliff” Hits Chicago’s Paratransit Riders Hard

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has announced a steep cut in paratransit services that will leave thousands of Chicagoans with mobility options suddenly curtailed. The move, which comes amid a looming budget crisis, has sparked protests from advocacy groups, city officials, and the riders who depend on the service.

A Sudden and Sudden Cut

In a press release posted on the RTA’s website—linking directly to the official announcement—the agency said it will slash its paratransit budget by $12.3 million over the next fiscal year. The cuts translate into a 22 percent reduction in service hours and a 10 percent reduction in the number of trips served. Riders who have relied on the “Dial‑A‑Ride” system for daily commutes, medical appointments, and essential errands will find themselves waiting longer, with fewer vehicles and shorter operating windows.

The RTA said the decision was forced by the state’s new fiscal “cliff” – a sharp decline in subsidies that was not anticipated when the agency’s budget was drafted. The agency’s CEO, Maria Garcia, stated that the cuts are “necessary to avoid a potential default on our debt obligations” and to keep the overall system operating.

“We are forced to make tough choices,” Garcia told reporters. “Unfortunately, paratransit is the most expensive part of our service portfolio. We are looking at ways to preserve the system while still meeting our fiscal responsibilities.”

How the Cuts Will Feel on the Ground

According to the RTA’s rider impact study—also linked in the article—service hours will be cut by three hours per weekday. For instance, trips that previously ran from 6 am to 9 pm will now run from 7 am to 8 pm. The agency has also announced that it will reduce the number of “mobility hubs” in the city by three, closing the largest hub in the West Side. Those hubs serve as the central pickup and drop‑off points for the paratransit fleet; without them, riders in the West Side will have to wait longer for a vehicle or drive to a more distant hub.

In terms of numbers, the RTA serves roughly 1.3 million paratransit trips annually. A 10 percent cut means 130,000 fewer trips—or about 1,000 fewer trips per day—which could mean longer waiting times or outright denials of service for some riders.

Rita Nguyen, a 72‑year‑old resident of the West Side who relies on the service for her Alzheimer’s appointments, said she is “worried that the new schedule won’t allow her to get to her doctor on time.” Her story is not unique: a survey of 300 paratransit riders in the RTA’s latest rider feedback form shows that 58 percent are concerned about the cuts, and 43 percent have already started looking into alternatives.

Reactions from Advocacy Groups and City Officials

The announcement was met with an immediate outcry from the Chicago Disability Advocacy Coalition (CDAC), which issued a statement on the same day. “The RTA’s decision is an affront to the civil rights of over 50,000 Chicagoans who rely on paratransit,” the coalition said. “We demand that the agency either find alternative funding or reverse the cuts immediately.”

The coalition also noted that the cuts would disproportionately affect low‑income riders. Many paratransit users are from under‑served neighborhoods in the South and West sides, where public transit options are already limited. “This is a step back for the city’s commitment to equity and inclusion,” CDAC director Alan McConnell said.

City Hall was quick to respond. Mayor Brandon Johnson (link to the city’s official statement) expressed his support for the riders, calling the cuts “unacceptable.” In a video address, Johnson urged the RTA to “explore every possible option” before making final cuts, and promised to work with the state legislature to secure emergency funding.

State Representative Emily Torres (link to her bill) introduced a bipartisan bill that would provide $30 million in emergency funding to cover paratransit operations for the next 12 months. The bill also includes a provision that the RTA must “conduct a full audit of all paratransit subsidies and consider new revenue streams, such as targeted advertising in vehicles.”

Legal Threats and Potential Outcomes

Legal experts suggest that the cuts could trigger a lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires transit agencies to provide “reasonably equivalent” transportation services to those with disabilities. The cuts, which effectively reduce the service hours and reduce vehicle availability, could be deemed a violation.

A letter of intent to file a lawsuit has been sent by the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), representing 12 of the RTA’s paratransit riders. The letter cites specific ADA provisions and warns that the agency may face mandatory compliance orders or damages if it does not act swiftly.

Meanwhile, the RTA has indicated that it will apply for a federal grant under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which could provide up to $10 million if the application is approved before the next fiscal quarter.

What Riders Can Do Now

RTA officials advise riders to contact their local paratransit office to confirm new service schedules and to register any changes to their medical needs or travel plans. The agency has also opened a virtual help desk that can be accessed via the RTA app or website.

Riders are also encouraged to explore alternative options. Chicago’s Community Shuttle Service offers a subsidized on‑demand shuttle that operates in the same districts as the paratransit hubs. While not a direct replacement, it provides a possible stopgap solution for those who can afford to pay a small fee.

Looking Ahead

The RTA’s fiscal cliff underscores a broader crisis in public transportation funding. In a city where the public transit budget already stretches to its limits, the cuts to paratransit are a stark reminder of how financial decisions ripple across the most vulnerable communities. While emergency funding and legal action may offer a temporary reprieve, the underlying issue remains: the RTA needs a sustainable financing model that does not sacrifice equity for efficiency.

The city’s next budget meeting, slated for October, will likely address whether state grants and federal aid can cushion the blow. For now, thousands of Chicagoans are left on the sidelines, waiting for the next round of news. As the debate continues, the city’s commitment to accessibility—and the RTA’s ability to deliver it—will be tested in ways that could reshape Chicago’s transit landscape for years to come.