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 broader regional policy.
The Regional Transportation Authority requires the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace suburban bus service to raise fares by at least 10% next year.
- Metra fares will increase by 13% to 15%, depending on the fare and distance traveled.
- This will be Metra's first across-the-board fare increase since 2018.
"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."
Author's summary: Metra announces fare hikes in 2026 budget due to regional policy.