Budget recommendations
For fiscal year 2026, the CTA is proposing three operating budgets that maintain, build on, or reverse the successes achieved so far in 2025, and each calls for a modest fare increase to provide additional revenue with minimal impact on ridership anticipated. These three budget scenarios reflect what CTA could face pending the outcome of ongoing legislative efforts in Springfield this fall.
Importantly, each of the presented budgets are centered on the needs of riders and employees, reflecting feedback they have provided through CTA’s various communication channels and extensive outreach over the past year. So far this year, CTA received direct input from more than 8,000 riders who spoke directly to agency leadership through the CTA Chats events at rail stations and bus turnarounds and at the three recent budget townhall meetings.
Survey
Thank you to all riders who participated in the Town Hall Survey. We are no longer accepting responses on the survey. CTA has incorporated feedback heard through the survey and the Budget Town Hall meetings in our 2026 budget.
Budget Town Halls
As part of our commitment to hearing directly from our riders about what matters most to them and what they value in CTA, we hosted a series of Budget Town Hall meetings. Those meetings provided information on potential funding scenarios and gave an opportunity for riders and community members to share their priorities for CTA services.
Tuesday, September 16
Imani Village
901 E. 95th St.
Watch on YouTube
Thursday, September 18
Truman College
1145 W. Wilson Ave.
Watch on YouTube
Thursday, September 25
Malcolm X College
1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Watch on YouTube
More information
- About this webpage: This webpage will be routinely updated, be sure to check back for more information, including an online survey to provide feedback for those unable to attend the upcoming town hall meetings.