• Public transportation is extremely important in the Chicago area.chicago image by Julien Salut from Fotolia.com
  
  The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in Chicago handles the public transportation for all of northeastern Illinois. This organization oversees the Chicago Transit Authority (the buses and trains) as well as the Metra (the commuter rail), and Pace (the suburban bus system). The RTA's website bills it as the second-largest public transportation system in North America.
  
  

Finances

• The regulations for the RTA are designed to keep it running effectively. One of the main regulations is the financing of the program. At least 50 percent of the system's operating costs must be covered by fares and other system-generated revenue. This mandate was set in place to ensure the program would not become a drain on the taxpayers of the region.
  
  

Board Members

• Each division of the RTA has a board, as well as the RTA having a board of its own. This is to help make sure all the counties are fairly represented and the citizens helping to fund the other 50 percent of the cost are being serviced appropriately. Some of the board members are mayors, some are appointed by the governor or local mayors, and others are chairmen of particular counties. These boards are responsible for holding quarterly meetings to keep the public-transportation system on track.
  
  

Annual Operating Budget

• The RTA must levy the regional taxes and apply for federal and state funding as well. The RTA must develop an annual operating budget, and always have a two-year financial plan. The RTA is responsible for changing funding as necessary, which can include increasing or decreasing service as needed to keep the transportation department running on budget.
  
  

Ten-Year Assessment

• The RTA must conduct a 10-year assessment of the transit system's financial condition. This is where the major changes must be made or decided in order to keep the program solvent. This assessment also goes over any maintenance costs or added construction costs for expansion or repair to the lines. The board can seek capital investments and decide on a bonding system to pay back investors.
  
  

Non-Discrimination

• The RTA must follow regulations with regard to non-discrimination policies. This applies to the granting of contracts as well as employment opportunities for all levels of the program. Board members must help promote equal opportunity among all departments, including on the board itself.
  
  

Disputes

• The organization is responsible for mediating any disputes. This can be among the service boards regarding fares, coordination, transfers, and even duplicate transport. It is the RTA's job to come up with a fair and equitable solution to problems.