CTA and Metra riders can expect fare hikes: What to know

CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago transit riders are bracing for higher costs as both the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra move forward with fare increases in the coming months amid ongoing financial strain.

The CTA last raised fares in January 2018, adding 25 cents to most rides. Train fares rose to $2.50 and bus fares to $2.25.

Under the agency’s proposed 2026 budget, riders would see the first fare hike since then.

Beginning February 1, 2026, prices are set to rise another 25 cents, pushing train rides to $2.75 and bus fares to $2.50.

That means between 2018 and the expected 2026 increases, train fares would climb about 10 percent and bus fares about 11 percent.

CTA says the hike is necessary as federal pandemic relief funding winds down and ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Metra rolled out a new fare structure on February 1, 2024, moving from a ten-zone system to four zones.

Under the new structure, one-way tickets to downtown cost $3.75 from Zone 2, $5.50 from Zone 3 and $6.75 from Zone 4. Under the former system, fares from the farthest suburbs could reach $9.50.

The commuter rail line has already begun reshaping its pricing. Metra’s proposed 2026 budget calls for raising fares by 13 to 15 percent.

One-way tickets from Zone 2 to downtown would rise from $3.75 to $4.25. Zone 3 fares would increase from $5.50 to $6.25 and Zone 4 fares from $6.75 to $7.75.

Monthly passes would also go up, with Zone 1-2 passes increasing from $75 to $85, Zone 1-3 passes from $110 to $125 and Zone 1-4 passes from $135 to $155.

The Metra Board of Directors still need to vote on the plan. Like the CTA, Metra has relied heavily on federal COVID-19 recovery funds to offset declines in ridership and fare revenue.

For Chicago-area commuters, the end of federal relief support and lower ridership means fare stability may not last long, and more increases are possible in the future.