CTA plans fare hikes for 2026; RTA updates transit shortfall to $230 million
The financial outlook is so unpredictable for the Chicago Transit Authority, leaders released three proposed budgets Monday with good, bad and so-so scenarios for 2026.
One thing CTA riders should plan on, however, are fare hikes — the first since 2018 — ranging from 25 cents to $15. The action was requested by the Regional Transportation Authority, the CTA noted.
“This is a unique and unprecedented budget season for our agency,” CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said.
Metra and Pace also are expected to raise fares as federal COVID-19 funding runs out. The CTA’s share will dry up first, likely in late 2026.
Also Monday, the RTA gave an updated transit shortfall estimate of $230 million for next year.
State lawmakers are expected to vote on some type of a bailout and related fees during the General Assembly’s veto session, which started this week.
“Like transit agencies across the country, CTA has a significant funding need and we are planning for multiple scenarios for next year,” Leerhsen said in a statement.
The CTA will vote on its budget in November. Here’s a look at the new prices.
• Regular fares will increase from $2.25 to $2.50 for buses, and from $2.50 to $2.75 for trains.
• A CTA/Pace one-day/24-hour pass will cost $6 instead of $5.
• A CTA/Pace 7-day pass will cost $25 instead of $20.
• A CTA/Pace 30-day pass will rise from $75 to $85.
• A Regional Connect Pass will spike from $30 to $45. To learn more about fare increases, visit transitchicago.com/finance.
The CTA’s 2026 proposals include a $2.23 billion baseline budget that assumes receiving enough funding to fill the revenue gap.
There’s also a worst-case scenario budget of over $2 billion. This plan would potentially entail: layoffs; canceling midday, late night, early morning and overnight service; closing some train stations; and eliminating some bus routes.
Third is a “growth budget” that anticipates about $1.5 billion more in funding for CTA, Metra and Pace. The proposal envisions improvements such as more frequent buses and trains, a transit ambassador program, and service expansions.
Transit system shortfall update
RTA planners had originally estimated a $771 million “fiscal cliff” for 2026 but revised that to $202 million Oct. 3 because of a surge in sales tax funds, spending reductions and other factors.
On Monday, the RTA updated the projections to $230 million, based on recent budget submissions from the agencies.
That deficit will grow to $834 million in 2027 and $937 million in 2028 unless the state provides new revenues, the RTA said.