The Brief The Regional Transportation Authority says it faces a $771 million shortfall and may slash service across CTA, Metra, and Pace. The RTA is asking the state for $1.5 billion in funding to avoid layoffs and cuts beginning in 2026. The Regional Transportation Authority warned that transportation is on a fiscal cliff, with proposed drastic cuts to the CTA, Metra and Pace, as well as mass layoffs. The hardest hit would be the paratransit service for disabled passengers who rely on public transportation to get around. What's next:If lawmakers don’t act, service cuts could start in 2026.