6.
Metra Presentation
Metra Board of Directors, Joe McMahon, presented Metra's FY2025 proposed budget.
He stated that Metra is proposing a $1.135B budget for FY2025. This budget will hold
the fares at the current levels with no need for an increase. This budget will rely on
strong sales tax revenue and the continued use of COVID Relief Aid. In addition to the
operation budget, Metra will have a capital budget of $366M for next year that will
continue their investment in the infrastructure of bridges, stations, rolling stock, and
diesel engines. McMahon stated that Metra's operating budget is 4.1% higher than last
year due to inflation, contractual and marketing increases, and upgrades to their
positive train control system. This positive train control system provides safety to
prevent collisions, backups, stopped trains, cyber security risks, and additional training
of staff. McMahon stated that Metra's budget is funded by system generated revenue,
fare revenue, sales tax receipts, and a portion of Metra's COVID Relief Aid funding. He
noted that Metra has projected a continued ridership growth of approximately 7% in
FY2025. He spoke on Metra's capital budget. He stated that the capital budget
allocates funding across six different areas. He broke down the financials of each area.
He noted that the capital budget is funded primarily by state and federal funds, which is
separate from the normal operating budget. McMahon stated that public hearings will
take place across the region on the proposed budget. The Public Hearing for Kane
County is scheduled for November 7, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Kane
County Government Center Auditorium. Public comments will be excepted in-person,
via e-mail, U.S. Mail, and voicemail. McMahon spoke on the impending fiscal cliff of
long-term spending for FY2026 that all public transit organizations are facing. He
explained that COVID Relief Funds have been used over the last few years to cover
short falls in Metra's operating budget. However, these funds will run out in FY2026.
Metra, along with all other transit organizations are actively working to identify
solutions. They have been working with legislators in Springfield and Washington D.C.
to address long-term funding solutions that preserve the level and quality of service to
the riders across the suburbs and Chicago. McMahon stated that Metra provides a
safe, efficient, and responsible form of public transportation that takes significant
pressure off the surface roads and tollways and is a vital part of the economic success
of the region. He explained that there has been numerous discussions at the local and
state level on the consolidation of PACE, Metra, and CTA. Metra is committed to the
collaboration with these other service boards and agencies, which is critical to maintain
the level of service that Kane County residents expect. Weekend rider ship is at 100%
across the area. He provided additional information on ridership. Ridership across the
region has continued to grow and is projected to increase by 7% across the region.
McMahon provided an update on capital projects. He explained that the Union Pacific
West Line at Third Street and Main Street in Geneva is nearing completion. He
provided additional details about this project. The expected completion date is Spring
2025. He spoke on the extension of the Milwaukee District West Line from Elgin to
Rockford initiative. This initiative is funded by State money and will not come out of
Metra's operating budget. This line will have additional train stops in Elgin, Huntley,
Marengo, and Belvidere. McMahon noted that this extension line would terminate in the
City of Rockford. To find out more information on this extension project, visit
machines being installed at train stations to make purchasing tickets more convenient.
Additionally, new platform monitors were installed at stations to display additional
