Metra, the rail system serving the six-county Chicago area, plans to hold a series of public hearings in November to seek feedback on the agency’s $1.1 billion budget for 2026, which includes a RTA-mandated fare increase and other measures to cover a projected $68 million shortfall.
RTA requires Metra and other agencies to raise fares by a minimum of 10 percent next year to help address deficits caused by the exhaustion of federal COVID-relief funds. It would be the first across-the-board fare increase since 2018. No service cuts are anticipated, Metra said.
Metra initially expected to be facing a larger funding shortfall next year, but the agency now believes it will make it through most of 2026 before federal COVID-relief are fully spent. The agency expects to cover the smaller shortfall with better operating results, delayed discretionary spending, delayed service expansions, prioritized hiring, and higher sales taxes.
The agency now expects a $276.3 million shortfall in 2027 and a $304.8 million shortfall in 2028 unless there is an increase in funding for public transportation.
The proposed operating budget of $1.1 billion is about $18 million, or 1.7%, lower than the 2025 budget. The proposed capital plan includes a $575.3 million investment in bridges, stations, and new and rehabilitated rolling stock.
The hearings will held Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 in Chicago, Joliet, Geneva, Clarendon Hills, Mundelein, Homewood, Crystal Lake and Hanover Park. A virtual public hearing also will be held on Nov. 5.