Your weekend Uber or Lyft trip in Chicago is about to get more expensive—beginning Tuesday, January 6, rideshares within “congestion zones” will include a new surcharge.
Here’s all the details and how the tax will impact your wallet.
What areas does the surcharge impact?
The added fees are a part of Chicago’s Ground Transportation Tax, and will impact rideshares within two designated zones.
- Zone 1 – includes a large portion of the city, within the boundaries of Foster Avenue, Ashland Avenue, Diversey Parkway, Western Avenue, 18th street, 31st Street, and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
- excludes Navy Pier and McCormick Place convention center.
- Zone 2 – covers much of Hyde Park, within the boundaries of Cottage Grove Avenue, Hyde Park Boulevard, South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and 60th Street.
How much is the surcharge?
The surcharge will varies depending on the type of rideshare ordered, according to the city.
Single rides obtained within either of the congestion zones will include an additional $1.50 per vehicle per ride between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Shared rides will include an additional $0.60 per vehicle per ride on weekdays (Monday-Friday) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Where are the tax dollars going?
The new tax is a part of Chicago’s overarching 2026 budget plan and will largely support local public transit funding, according to multiple sources.
The move comes weeks after state officials approved a plan to finance public transit in Northern Illinois and resolve a multi-million dollar budget shortfall.
For more information on Chicago’s 2026 budget plan, click here.