Overview
- Base bus and rail fares would rise by $0.25 on Feb. 1, 2026, the first increase since 2018, with Ventra single-ride tickets at $3.50 and contactless pay-as-you-go at $3.
- Pass prices would increase to $6 for a 1-day, $25 for a 7-day, and $85 for a 30-day pass, the 3-day pass would be eliminated, and reduced fares would remain at or below half price.
- CTA estimates the hikes will bring in about $30–$35 million next year but still leave roughly a $112 million gap without state aid, prompting warnings of service reductions up to 25% beginning in mid-2026.
- The RTA mandated at least 10% fare increases regionwide, revised the 2026 regional shortfall to about $200 million after higher sales tax projections, and shifted $74 million to CTA in August to delay cuts.
- CTA’s budget presents three operating scenarios tied to state action and keeps the Red Line Extension in its capital plan even as roughly $2 billion in federal grant funding was frozen by the Trump administration; a public hearing is set for Nov. 5.