The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has proposed sweeping fare hikes come 2026 ahead of a legislative hearing this month to address the agency’s ongoing funding crisis.
A look at the CTA budget crisis
The fare increases come at the request of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), according to a release, which includes the CTA, Metra, and Pace systems.
The RTA is facing an estimated $200 million budget deficit for the 2026 fiscal year, driven in part by the end of COVID-era relief funds.
Earlier this year, state legislators approved a budget plan for FY2026 that excluded a resolution to the RTA funding crisis.
Officials are expected to further discuss the deficit during the fall veto session between Oct. 14–16 and Oct. 28–30, according to multiple reports. Failure to approve a bill reforming public transit could result in drastic CTA service cuts come 2026.
Breaking down the fare increases
The CTA has laid out several funding scenarios for 2026, ranging from a surplus to reduced budget, each of which includes fare increases.
However, the agency hasn’t clarified whether the hikes will take effect in the event that state legislators approve a funding bill before the end of 2025.
If approved, the fare increases will mark the first time the CTA has raised its rates since 2018. Here’s what the increases would look like, according to the CTA:
- Base fare for all rail lines and buses: 25-cent increase
- Pass price increases:
- 1-Day Pass — $1 increase
- 7-Day Pass — $5 increase
- 30-Day Pass — $10 increase
- Regional Connect Pass — $15 increase
- Single-ride tickets: increase to $3.50 per ticket
- Pay-as-you-go payments: increase to $3
- Elimination of 3-Day Pass
- Reduced fares to remain at or under 50% of full fares, in compliance with federal standards
CTA asks for public feedback
The CTA will hold a public hearing on Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at its headquarters (567 W. Lake Street) to discuss the budget proposal and hear rider feedback.
Those interested in sharing their thoughts can pre-register to speak at the hearing or submit a written statement by Nov. 4. Learn more information and register here.