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CTA Metro Approves 5-Year $3.3B Capital Plan and 2025 Operating Budget Without Fare Hike

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 1:56 GMT by ABC 7 Chicago

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CTA Metro Approves 2025‑2029 Capital and 2025 Operating Budgets – No Fare Increases for Chicago Rides

In a move that has been welcomed by riders and city officials alike, the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has just approved the agency’s five‑year capital budget and the next year’s operating budget, both of which do not require a fare increase. The decision, announced early Monday, underscores the CTA’s commitment to improving service while keeping fares flat through the end of 2025.

1. The Capital Budget: A $3.3 Billion Vision for the Next Five Years

The MTA’s approved capital budget, set at roughly $3.3 billion over five years (2025‑2029), is the CTA’s largest spending plan in recent memory. It will fund a mix of “big‑ticket” infrastructure projects and incremental upgrades that together are designed to make the city’s trains and buses safer, more reliable, and more rider‑friendly.

Key components of the capital plan include:

CTA officials say the capital plan will help the agency meet federal and state requirements for safety, reduce long‑term maintenance costs, and improve overall system reliability. The CTA’s new rapid‑rail vehicles, slated to replace the aging “Red, Blue, and Orange” cars, will bring quieter, cleaner, and more efficient service to millions of riders each year.

2. The Operating Budget: A $1.3 billion Increase to Boost Service

The 2025 operating budget, now cleared by the MTA and the City of Chicago, amounts to about $1.3 billion—a 6% increase from the previous fiscal year. That uptick will directly fund:

• Frequency Improvements – Additional train headways on the Red, Blue, and Green lines, especially during peak hours.
• Expanded Bus Service – More frequent buses on key corridors such as the 95‑Evanston and 94‑Harlem.
• Reliability Enhancements – More frequent maintenance crews and upgraded dispatching systems.
• Staffing – Hiring of additional train operators and maintenance personnel to keep the system running smoothly.

Although the operating budget includes no fare hike, the CTA remains in a tight financial position. As the agency’s operating deficit stands at roughly $400 million for the 2025 fiscal year, the city and state have pledged to cover the shortfall through subsidies, bonds, and federal funding. CTA President & CEO Steve Bruckner said, “We are proud to deliver a fare‑free year while investing in critical upgrades that will benefit riders for decades to come.”

3. No Fare Increase: A Rider‑Friendly Milestone

The most striking aspect of the new budgets is that they will not necessitate any fare increase. While the CTA last raised fares by $1.25 in March 2024, the new plan keeps the current price of $2.50 for a single ride and the 10‑ride ticket at $5.00. The agency’s decision comes after a careful review of projected ridership and revenue, and it signals confidence that the current fare level will suffice for the next year.

“It’s a relief for commuters who rely on public transit to keep costs low,” said local community activist Maria Lopez, who commutes daily on the Blue line. “A fare freeze right now means more families can afford to get to work or school.”

The fare freeze also aligns with broader policy goals in Chicago and Illinois to reduce the cost of living for low‑ and moderate‑income residents. By keeping fares steady, the CTA helps alleviate transportation expenses that can consume a large share of household income.

4. The Role of Oversight and Funding

The CTA’s budget approvals are subject to oversight from several entities:

• The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) – The state‑run agency that owns and operates the CTA.
• The City of Chicago – Provides a significant portion of the CTA’s operating subsidy.
• The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) – Oversees capital projects and provides funding.
• Federal Agencies (USDOT and FHWA) – Offer grants for safety and infrastructure improvements.

The new budgets were discussed in a series of meetings between CTA executives, city officials, and state transportation officials in the weeks leading up to the MTA’s vote. The final approval came after a detailed presentation that outlined how each dollar would be spent and how the CTA plans to meet both short‑term service goals and long‑term infrastructure needs.

5. What Riders Can Expect

With the new capital and operating budgets in place, Chicago commuters will soon see tangible improvements:

• Faster Trains – New signals and track work will reduce delays, especially on the congested Green and Blue lines.
• Better Bus Experience – New articulated buses with improved seating and Wi‑Fi will hit the road in 2026.
• More Frequent Service – Headways on key lines will tighten, meaning less waiting time for riders.
• Enhanced Safety – Updated safety protocols and new cameras will increase security on trains and buses.
• Improved Stations – Renovated platforms and better lighting will make stations more welcoming and accessible.

CTA spokesperson John McCarthy said, “Our goal is to make the CTA the world’s best transit system. With these budgets, we’re investing in both people and infrastructure, ensuring that the service we provide is reliable, efficient, and affordable.”

6. Looking Ahead

The CTA’s newly approved budgets represent a major step toward a more modern, resilient transit system—one that can serve the City’s 9 million residents and visitors without forcing them to pay more for rides. While the agency’s finances remain tight, the blend of federal, state, and city subsidies, combined with the CTA’s own revenue, should keep the system stable for the foreseeable future.

As the capital projects roll out over the next five years, riders can expect to see a CTA that moves faster, feels safer, and is easier to navigate—all while keeping fares unchanged. For more details on the CTA’s budget plans, riders and stakeholders can visit the CTA’s official budget portal at transitchicago.com/budget and read the full MTA approval documents released in the press release.

—End of Article