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3d ago

CTA Approves 2026 Budget With No Fare Hike, Cuts or Layoffs After State Transit Rescue

With much of the new money held for later distribution, major upgrades will follow a longer rollout.

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Nora Leerhsen, the CTA's acting president, walks alongside a 1920s-era 4000-series railcar in the Loop on Oct. 1, 2025, where the CTA celebrated their 78th anniversary with Heritage Fleet Program rides for customers. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • The board’s vote followed the RTA’s retreat from a 10% fare hike, and the new law imposes a one-year moratorium on fare increases after June 1, 2026.
  • The RTA is holding a projected $319 million for compliance with the statute, and agencies say most of the $1.5 billion in new revenue will not flow until 2027.
  • CTA expects to forgo about $30 million from its scrapped 25-cent fare hike and will rely on roughly $141–142 million from the state package to balance 2026 operations.
  • The legislation replaces the RTA with a stronger Northern Illinois Transit Authority empowered to coordinate fares and set regional service standards.
  • Agency leaders say ideas like 24-hour Orange Line service and a larger Frequent Bus Network require later allocations and scheduling lead time, as CTA and advocates begin BRT and safety outreach.