CTA proposes 3 budgets while awaiting state funding decision

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) on Monday proposed three operating budgets for fiscal-year 2026 as the agency awaits funding decisions from Illinois lawmakers.

Like many transit agencies across the country, the CTA is facing a budget deficit as federal COVID-19 relief funding runs out. CTA officials are currently advocating for a long-term solution from the Illinois State Legislature.

The budgets reflect the potential outcomes of funding scenarios the CTA could face — maintenance, growth or decline in services. Each budget includes a fare increase, as required by the Regional Transportation Authority, CTA officials said in a press release. The CTA has not had a fare increase since 2018. Base rail fare as of Feb. 1 will increase 25 cents, with daily, weekly and monthly passes increasing as well. 

The proposed Budget A is the baseline budget that assumes the CTA will be allocated typical state funding levels that solely address the existing structural funding gap. Budget B would enable the CTA to close its budget gap and make improvements to services; Budget C would result in a significant cut to services, as it reflects how the CTA would need to operate if it does not receive funding to address its structural funding gap.

On Nov. 5, CTA will host a public hearing on the proposed budgets. Written statements and registration to speak at the hearing must be submitted by Nov. 4. A review of each budget as well as registration for hearing can be found on the CTA's finance webpage.