Transportation overhaul taking shape with toll increase, new board appointees

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: Capitol News Illinois
Published: August 21, 2026
Source: Read at Capitol News Illinois
Category: Food Access

Illinois tollways will raise rates on Jan. 1, with passenger vehicles paying 45 cents more at each toll and truckers paying an average 30% more. The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority said the increase will support a $26.5 billion capital program, with tolls then rising with inflation every two years without another board vote. Gov. JB Pritzker appointed five members to the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority board, which will replace the Regional Transportation Authority on Sept. 1 and oversee the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace. The 20-member board will have authority to establish a universal fare system and coordinate schedules among the three agencies.

Why this matters: Higher truck tolls could add pressure to freight costs for independent grocers, although the article does not quantify any effect on store prices. The new transit structure could affect transportation coordination and food access in communities served by CTA, Metra and Pace.

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