Chicago Commuter Train System Announces Fare Hikes in 2026 Budget
Metra, the Chicago-area commuter rail service, has announced fare hikes in its 2026 budget as part of a regional policy requiring fare increases for the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace suburban bus service.
The fare hikes will range from 13% to 15%, depending on the fare and distance traveled, and will be the first across-the-board increase since 2018. According to Metra, the increase is necessary to avoid service cuts.
"We are proposing a fare increase to start in February 2026. We believe that increase and our continued efforts to contain costs will be enough to get us through 2026; no service cuts should be needed."
The Regional Transportation Authority requires the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace to raise fares at least 10% next year.
Author's summary: Metra announces fare hikes in 2026 budget.