Pace’s Rideshare Program Gets a Boost After State Transit Funding Approval

A major funding boost for Illinois public transit is bringing some good news for rideshare drivers and passengers alike. Pace’s Rideshare Access Program (RAP), which helps riders with disabilities book subsidized Uber trips, is getting a much-needed extension after the Illinois General Assembly passed a $1.5 billion transit funding package.

The new funds mean the program, along with others that connect professional drivers to local communities, will avoid the steep cuts many feared for 2026.

At a special meeting last week, Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) leaders confirmed that all three major Chicago-area transit systems, Pace, Metra, and CTA, are now in the clear.

“No layoffs, no fare increases and no service cuts,” said Maulik Vaishnav, RTA’s senior deputy executive director of planning and capital programming. “New funds will mean opportunities to advance further improvements in service quality and rider experience later this year as the new funds become available in the second half of this year.”

What This Means for Rideshare and Paratransit Drivers

For those working with rideshare platforms or paratransit services, this funding could translate into more steady ride demand and better pay stability. The RAP program, which launched in 2024, pairs rideshare drivers, often through Uber, with passengers who qualify for assisted transportation. The program quickly became popular among riders with disabilities who rely on flexible, door-to-door travel.

But earlier this year, a funding shortfall forced officials to cap the number of monthly rides from 240 to just 30 and increase fares from $2 to $3.25. That sudden change left both passengers and drivers feeling the squeeze.

The related Taxi Access Program (TAP) faced similar reductions, frustrating many who depend on it to get to work, medical appointments, or run daily errands.

Now, with additional money headed to the program, those restrictions could ease. RTA planners estimate that an extra $56.7 million will be available in 2026 for RAP and TAP. That could increase the number of subsidized rides per user each month.

“There’s enough funding available for RAP and TAP at this level for us to come back … at a future meeting to update the monthly ride cap,” Vaishnav told RTA directors. “This amount of funding will allow between 40 to 50 rides per month but it will require a separate action item later this year.”

Where the Money Is Coming From

In total, the new funding package will give the CTA roughly $142 million in additional revenue, Metra about $28 million, and Pace around $19 million in 2026.

The RTA had been staring down a $230 million budget gap for next year before lawmakers stepped in. The fix includes an RTA sales tax increase and a new allocation of state motor fuel tax revenue, together expected to generate over $1.2 billion annually.

An extra $180 million a year from interest on the state’s Road Fund will also go toward transit infrastructure and capital projects, which could indirectly benefit professional drivers through improved road conditions and fleet support.

The legislation takes effect mid-2026, meaning transit agencies like Pace will not see the full impact until 2027. Still, RTA officials said the funding relief gives them enough breathing room to avoid any major disruptions for now.

The final budgets for Pace, Metra, and CTA will be updated before the RTA’s December vote.

A Lifeline After COVID-Era Struggles

The funding relief also helps fill the hole left by expiring federal pandemic aid, which had temporarily covered losses from low ridership during COVID-19. Without the new funding, service cuts and fare hikes were almost certain.

Governor JB Pritzker still needs to sign the legislation into law, but he has already voiced his support for the package. Once enacted, the bill will stabilize public transit across the region and keep rideshare-linked services like RAP running strong.

For drivers working with these programs, it means continued opportunities to serve riders who rely on dependable, affordable transportation and to keep doing meaningful work that connects communities.

Source: Daily Herald