Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Committee of the Whole for Dec. 2025

Will County Committee of the Whole Meeting | December 2025

Overall Meeting Summary
The Will County Board Committee of the Whole met on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, for a series of presentations regarding the future of regional transit. Representatives from Pace, Metra, and the RTA outlined their 2026 budgets and the implications of the recently passed Senate Bill 2111. The legislation provides over $1 billion in new funding, averts service cuts, and prevents fare hikes in 2026, but also dissolves the RTA in favor of a new governing body, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA). Board members engaged in a robust debate regarding the fairness of the new tax structure, the diversion of gas tax funds from roads to transit, and the level of representation Will County will hold on the new NITA board.

Metra Bans Heavy E-Bikes:
Metra Chief Financial Officer John Morris announced a policy change regarding bicycles on trains. While standard bicycles are still permitted, Metra has banned heavy e-bikes and e-scooters that cannot be easily lifted by the owner. Morris cited safety concerns, noting instances where riders used the electric mechanism to try to “jump up the stairs” because the bikes were too heavy to carry.

RTA Safety Task Force:
RTA CFO Kevin Bueso reported that the new legislation mandates the creation of a safety plan, which could cost between $150 million and $200 million. A task force involving the Cook County Sheriff’s Department is currently evaluating options, which may include a dedicated transit police force, contracts with local law enforcement, or a “transit ambassador” program to provide customer service and monitoring at stations.

VanGo Pricing Questioned:
During the Pace presentation, Board Member Julie Berkowicz questioned the fiscal sustainability of the VanGo program’s $5 per day fee. Mayor John Noak explained that while the base fee is low, providing this shared-use service is still “significantly better” in terms of return on investment compared to establishing full fixed-line bus service in lower-density areas.

New ‘Troy Net’ Signage:
Metra highlighted customer service improvements, including new digital signage at stations referred to as “TROI-Net” (Train Riding Operator Information Network). These signs will provide real-time tracking information, telling passengers exactly when the next train will arrive and which platform to use, reducing uncertainty for commuters.