Finance & budget

Public transportation has been and remains a critical component of the region’s ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. For fiscal year 2023, the CTA is proposing a $1.8 billion operating budget that keeps fares at their current levels, maintains the agency’s commitment to improving service, and continues important investments to upgrade and modernize the system.

The proposed spending plan also advances the agency’s “Meeting the Moment: Transforming CTA’s Post-Pandemic Future”, a multifaceted Action Plan that focuses on responding to customers’ concerns and strengthening the foundations of the rider experience – more consistent and reliable service, safe rides, clean facilities, modern amenities, dynamic customer engagement tools, and a strong CTA workforce. 

The proposed $3.4 billion Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for 2023-2027 includes funding for critical transit improvement projects that are underway or set to begin in 2023:

• Red Line Extension to provide much-needed transit services and connections to the Far South Side of Chicago.
• All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), to make CTA’s rail system 100% vertically accessible.
• Expansion of electric bus fleet, part of CTA’s commitment to complete the electrification of the entire bus fleet by the year 2040.
• Ongoing modernization of both bus and rail fleets.

The President's 2023 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed operating and capital budgets, plus key initiatives highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs. In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2023 Budget Recommendations

2023 Budget Recommendations (accessible text version)

• Press Release (10/20/2022)
• Notice of Public Hearing
• Request to Speak Form (for virtual public hearing; form closed 8:00am, Nov. 10)

Virtual public hearing

The Public Hearing on the Proposed CTA 2023 Budget, Two Year Financial Plan and Five-Year Capital Plan will be held virtually, only, on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 6 p.m. See Notice of Public Hearing for details and information on how to participate.

The virtual public hearing will be streamed online.

Public transportation has been and remains a critical component of the region’s ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. For fiscal year 2022, the CTA is proposing a $1.75 billion operating budget that maintains the essential bus and rail services that have been provided throughout the pandemic. Also reflected in this plan are measures to make CTA’s already low-cost fares even more affordable. Among the proposed changes are:

• Permanent adoption of the promotional price reductions offered on CTA’s 1-, 3-, and 7-Day unlimited-ride passes
• Elimination of the $0.25 charge when transferring between rides on CTA buses and trains, or vice versa
• Price reduction for the CTA 30-Day and the CTA-Pace 7-Day passes

The proposed $3.5 billion Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for 2022-2026 includes funding for critical transit improvement projects that are underway or set to begin in 2022:

• Red Line Extension to provide much-needed transit services and connections to the Far South Side of Chicago.
• All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), to make CTA’s rail system 100% vertically accessible.
• Blue Line Forest Park Branch track and power improvements, the first phase of a comprehensive rebuild.
• Expansion of electric bus fleet, part of CTA’s commitment to complete the electrification of the entire bus fleet by the year 2040.
• Refresh & Renew, an expanded and accelerated rail station improvement program.
• Better Streets for Buses, a comprehensive, citywide plan for bus-priority streets.

The President's 2022 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed operating and capital budgets, plus key initiatives highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs. In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2022 Budget Recommendations

2022 Budget Recommendations (accessible text version)

• Notice of Public Hearing (10/21/2021)
• Request to Speak Form (for virtual public hearing; form closed 5:30am, Nov. 11)
• Press Release (10/21/2022)

Virtual public hearing

The Public Hearing on Proposed CTA 2022 Budget, Two Year Financial Plan and Five-Year Capital Plan will be held virtually, only, on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 6 p.m. See Notice of Public Hearing for details and information on how to participate.

The virtual public hearing was streamed online.

For fiscal year 2021, the CTA is proposing a $1.64 billion operating budget that highlights the need for new federal funding to support public transportation across the United States. Though there are no planned changes to service or fares in 2021, the CTA is dependent on continued support at the federal level to achieve this goal.

The proposed $3.4 billion five year capital budget for 2021-2025 is supported by funding from Rebuild Illinois, the 2019 state capital program that was the first in more than a decade. More than half of the capital funding will go toward previously announced major projects, including:

• Upgrade of the Cottage Grove Green Line station ($60M)
• Blue Line O’Hare Branch power improvements ($50M)
• Advancement of the Red Line Extension project ($327.8M)
• Phase 1 station improvements under the All Stations Accessibility Plan (ASAP ($78M)

Other capital projects to continue or begin in 2021 include:

• Testing of the 10 new 7000-series rail cars
• Quarter-life overhaul work on 5000-series rail cars
• Roll-out of newest all-electric buses
• Start of station and track structure construction as part of RPM Phase One

The President's 2021 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2021 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2021 Budget Recommendations
2021 Budget Recommendations (accessible text version)

• Notice of Public Hearing (10/22/2020)
• Form to Request to Speak at virtual public hearing (10/22/2020, form closed 6pm, Nov. 11)
• Press release announcing proposed budget (10/22/2020)

Virtual public hearing

The Public Hearing on Proposed CTA 2021 Budget, Two Year Financial Plan and Five Year Capital Plan will be held virtually, only, on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 6:00pm. See Notice of Public Hearing for details and information on how to participate.

The virtual public hearing will be streamed online.

Live stream of public hearing (via YouTube)

The CTA has proposed a balanced $1.57 billion operating budget for FY-2020 that continues unprecedented efforts to modernize infrastructure and improve the travel experience for customers across the city—while holding the line on fares and maintaining service levels. The proposed $5.1 billion five-year capital budget for 2020-2024 includes, for the first time in a decade, a significant funding commitment with the passage of the State of Illinois’ Rebuild Illinois capital bill in June 2019. Highlights of this proposed capital improvement plan include: 

• $78 million in funding for the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), CTA’s comprehensive plan to make all rail stations 100 percent vertically accessible. 
• More than $300 million commitment to the Red Line Extension project.
• Cottage Grove Green Line station overhaul ($60 million)
• Blue Line O’Hare Branch traction power improvements ($50 million)
• Blue Line O’Hare branch station upgrades, downtown to O’Hare ($31.5 million)

The President's 2020 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2020 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2020 Budget Recommendations
2020 Budget Recommendations (accessible text version)

• Notice of Public Hearing (10/24/2019)
• Press release: 'Proposed 2020 CTA Budget Continues Modernization, Maintains Fares and Service Levels' (10/24/2019)
• Budget hearing video (11/13/2019)

The President's 2018 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2018 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2018 Budget Recommendations
2018 Budget Recommendations accessible text version

• Notice of Public Hearing (11/22/2017)
• Press Release: CTA Introduces Balanced Operating, Capital Budgets Following Major State Funding Cut (11/22/2017)
• Questions & Answers
• Press release: Chicago Transit Board Approves 2018 CTA Operating, Capital Budgets (12/13/2017)

The President's 2017 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2017 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2017 Budget Recommendations
2017 Budget Recommendations text-only version

• Notice of Public Hearing (10/24/2016)
• Chicago Transit Board Approves 2017 CTA Operating, Capital Budgets (11/16/2016)

The President's 2016 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2016 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2016 Budget Recommendations
Text-only version

• Notice of Public Hearing (10/26/2015)

The President's 2015 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2015 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2015 Budget Recommendations
Text-only version

• Notice of Public Hearing (10/26/2014)

The President's 2014 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2014 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2014 Budget Recommendations
Text-only version

• Notice of Public Hearing (10/23/2013)
• News: CTA President Releases 2014 Budget Recommendations (10/18/2013)
• News: 2014 Balanced Budget Approved (11/13/2013)

The President's 2013 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2013 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2013 Budget Recommendations (.pdf)
Text-only version (.pdf)

• Press Release: Chicago Transit Board Approves 2013 Budget (12/16/12)
• Notice of Public Hearing (11/26/12)
• Fare Changes FAQ
• Pass Price Changes (eff. 1/14/13)

President's presentation to the City Club of Chicago
2012 City Club Presentation (.pdf)

The President's 2012 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2012 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2012 Budget Recommendations (.pdf) (plain text version)

More info:

• Press Release: CTA President Releases 2012 Budget Recommendations (10/19/11)
• Press Release: CTA Chicago Transit Board Approves 2012 CTA Budget (11/15/11)
• Notice of Public Hearing

The President's 2011 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2011 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2011 Budget Recommendations (plain text version)

From time to time during the fiscal year, the CTA Board amends the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) which is incorporated as a part of the Budget Book. The most recently approved CIP can be found here.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2011

The President's 2010 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2010 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2010 Budget Recommendations

From time to time during the fiscal year, the CTA Board amends the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) which is incorporated as a part of the Budget Book.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2010

Budget Addendum
Reduced fares were not increased; Reduced fares remained at $0.85 with a transit card and $1.00 with cash.

The President's 2009 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2009 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2009 Budget Recommendations

From time to time during the fiscal year, the CTA Board amends the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) which is incorporated as a part of the Budget Book.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2009

The President's 2008 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2008 operating and capital budget. Key initiatives are highlighted in an easy-to-read manner with accompanying charts and graphs.

In addition, historical and reference data is presented in a detailed appendix section.

2008 Budget Recommendations

From time to time during the fiscal year, the CTA Board amends the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) which is incorporated as a part of the Budget Book.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2008

2007

 2007 Budget Recommendations

2006

 2006 Budget Recommendations
 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2006

2005

 2005 Budget Recommendations
 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2005

2004
2004 Budget - Summary
2004 Budget - Detail
President's Report on CTA's Fares and Proposal for the FY2004 Budget

2003
2003 Budget - Summary

2002
2002 Budget - Summary
2002 Budget - Detail

2001
2001 Budget - Summary
2001 Budget - Detail

2000
2000 Budget Summary
2000 Budget Detail

1999
1999 Operating Budget Summary
1999 Budget Detail

 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2010 and 2009
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2009 and 2008
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2008 and 2007
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2007 and 2006
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2006 and 2005
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2005 and 2004
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2004 and 2003
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2003 and 2002
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2002 and 2001
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2001 and 2000
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 2000 and 1999
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 1999 and 1998
 CTA Financial Statements December 31, 1998 and 1997

Public Building Commission Bonds Series 2006

Sales Tax Bonds Series 2008A&B
Sales Tax Bonds Series 2010A&B
Sales Tax Bonds Series 2011
Sales Tax Bonds Series 2014
Sales Tax Bonds Series 2017 (Sub)
Sales Tax Bonds Series 2020A
Sales Tax Bonds Series 2020B
Sales Tax Bonds Series 2022A

FTA Capital Grant Receipts-GARVEE Bonds FTA 5307&5309(5337) Series 2008A & 2008
FTA Capital Grant Receipts-GARVEE Bonds FTA 5307 GARVEE Series 2011
FTA Capital Grant Receipts-GARVEE Bonds FTA 5307&5337(5309) GARVEE Series 2015
FTA Capital Grant Receipts-GARVEE Bonds FTA 5309(5337) GARVEE Series 2008A
FTA Capital Grant Receipts-GARVEE Bonds FTA 5307&5337(5309) GARVEE Series 2017