30 ILCS 740/2-2.03
"Operating deficits" means the amount by which eligible operating expenses exceed revenue from fares, reduced fare reimbursements, rental of properties, advertising, and any other amounts collected and received by a provider of public transportation, which, under standard accounting practices, are properly classified as operating revenue or operating income attributable to providing public transportation and revenue from any federal financial assistance received by the participant to defray operating expenses or deficits. For purposes of determining operating deficits, local effort from local taxes or its equivalent shall not be included as operating revenue or operating income. Provided, however, under the provisions of this Act with respect to any operating deficit incurred by any Metro-East Transit District participant, such operating deficits shall be limited solely to those arising out of operations within the State of Illinois.
30 ILCS 740/2-2.03