Overview

• CTA, Metra and Pace project a combined $771 million operating shortfall in 2026, with service reductions forecast as high as 40% if no new revenue is approved.
• CTA officials said buses and trains could be limited to roughly 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. next year, ending 24-hour operations absent a state bailout.
• Agency leaders estimate the cut scenario would cost riders 9.1 million hours through longer waits and less frequent service.
• Officials are preparing two budget scenarios and are discussing a modest 10-cent fare increase across the three systems as a potential stopgap.
• After reports of recent attacks on CTA workers, the agency highlighted a new Chicago Police monitoring center and continued public budget forums, with a final town hall set for Sept. 25.