Chicago Transit Authority proposes train, bus fare increases

CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Transit Authority has proposed increasing bus and train fares by 25 cents in 2018 under its budget proposal.

The proposed increases announced Wednesday would put the cost of a bus ride at $2.25 and a train ride at $2.50. Thirty-day passes would go up to $105 from $100. The proposed budget doesn't include service cuts. CTA spokesman Brian Steele says the increases are necessary because of a $33 million reduction in state funding and ridership losses. The fare hikes are expected to raise $23 million in 2018.

The CTA Board must approve the $1.5 billion spending plan at its Dec. 13 meeting followed by the Regional Transportation Authority on Dec. 14. If the increases receive approval they'll go into effect Jan. 7.

The CTA last increased base fares in 2009 and passes in 2013.