Public transit users across Chicago can breathe a sigh of relief. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) announced on November 6, 2025, that there will be no fare increases, no route cuts, and no layoffs in 2026.
New Legislation Brings System Stability
Illinois lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2111, allocating an additional $1.5 billion annually to public transportation in the greater Chicago area. The funds will come from redirected fuel tax revenue and interest from the state’s “Road Fund.”
Before the bill passed, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra were preparing for potential fare hikes due to the expiration of pandemic relief funds. Thanks to the new revenue, RTA now plans to add $565 million in 2026 and $1.3 billion for 2027–2028. 
Fare Stability and Service Security
For commuters, this means no changes that would affect service schedules or their wallets. RTA Chair Kirk Dillard stated: “In 2026, we will not see service cuts, layoffs, or fare increases — instead, we’ll continue improving our service.”
The new law ensures a more predictable funding structure for CTA, Metra, and Pace, providing financial breathing room to maintain service quality and long-term planning.
Looking Ahead to 2030
While the announcement is good news, experts note that most of the new funding won’t take effect immediately but later in 2026. The legislation also mandates the creation of a universal fare collection system by 2030 and requires coordinated planning among the three main operators by 2029.
For now, Chicago-area transit users can take comfort in knowing that the “financial cliff” threatening public transportation has been postponed — at least for the foreseeable future.
