Overview

• Single-ride fares would rise to $2.50 for buses (from $2.25) and $2.75 for trains (from $2.50) beginning Feb. 1, 2026, pending board approval.
• Pass prices would increase across the board, including the day pass to $6, the seven-day to $25, and the 30-day to $85, while the three-day pass would be eliminated.
• Ventra single-ride tickets would cost $3.50 and pay-as-you-go contactless credit or debit fares would be $3, with reduced fares remaining at or below 50% of full fares.
• The RTA has ordered at least a 10% fare hike across CTA, Metra, and Pace, transferred $74 million to CTA in August to delay cuts, and Metra has proposed a 13%–15% increase.
• CTA outlines reduced, baseline, and growth budget scenarios and warns of a hiring freeze, up to 1,800 layoffs, and as much as 25% service cuts starting in mid-2026 if no new state aid arrives, with a public hearing set for Nov. 5.