Overview

• One-way fares would rise on Feb. 1 to $4.25 for Zone 1–2, $6.25 for Zone 1–3, and $7.75 for Zone 1–4, with monthly passes increasing to $85, $125, and $155 for those same zones.
• Metra projects the fare changes will occur regardless of new state funding and estimate a 2.2% decline in ridership from the increases.
• The proposed operating budget totals $1.1 billion for 2026, with federal pandemic relief expected to run out late next year.
• The capital program is $575.3 million, including $55 million for Metra Electric Line work that Metra expects NICTD to reimburse, and $60 million in fare revenue directed to capital needs.
• Metra warns service cuts of up to 40% could arrive in 2027 without new funding as the RTA now pegs the regional 2026 gap at about $200 million after earlier $770 million estimates and following a $74 million shift to the CTA that delayed its deepest cuts to mid-2026.