CTA objects to credit rating downgrade
Moody’s Investors Service cut the Aa3 rating on $2.9 billion of the agency's sales tax revenue bonds one notch to A1, citing diminished political will to raise revenue amid growing capital needs. The transit agency countered that it has no plans to seek additional funding, and that sales tax, fare and other revenue is increasing.
CHICAGO — The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) said that the Moody’s Investors Service downgrade of its credit rating was not justified because its revenue is growing, Reuters reported.
Moody's cut the Aa3 rating on $2.9 billion of the agency's sales tax revenue bonds one notch to A1 with a negative outlook. The ratings agency cited diminished political will to raise revenue amid growing capital needs and decreased state and federal support.
The transit agency countered that it is determined to operate within its means and has no plans to seek additional funding. It also noted sales tax, fare and other revenue is increasing.
The CTA also opposed a plan proposed by the Regional Transportation Authority to take away its authority to issue bonds. For the full story, click here.
More Bus

New York MTA Plans Largest Bus Fleet Upgrade in More Than a Decade
The agency is seeking manufacturers for 650 new CNG buses to replace aging vehicles, improve reliability, and advance its broader fleet modernization strategy.
Read More →Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve
LA Metro’s Obed Mejia discusses technician training, evolving maintenance technology, fleet replacement, and strategies for getting the most out of today’s transit fleets.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
People Movement: Holly Arnold Joins Transdev and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at Pace, CamTran, MCI, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
The High Cost of Transit Buses: Industry Leaders Look to Procurement Reform
Transit leaders and policymakers examine how standardized bus designs, streamlined procurement, and predictable funding could help agencies stretch budgets and deliver better service.
Read More →
The Business Voice Behind Public Transportation
As chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors, Ray Melleady explains how more than 850 business members are partnering with transit agencies to advance funding, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
Read More →From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement
The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.
Read More →