This page contains information about CTA's finances and budget.
On this page:
See also: For latest available financial reports/statements presented before the Chicago Transit Board's Finance, Audit & Budget Committee meetings, see Board Presentations
Latest budget recommendations
2021 Budget Recommendations
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)
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)
Past budget recommendations
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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:
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
Financial statements
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
Pension Obligation Bond Sale Report
Pension Obligation Bond Sale Report (text version)
IRMA representation notice
Independent Registered Municipal Advisor ("IRMA") Representation Notice, eff. May 8, 2017
Official statements for CTA bonds
Miscellaneous reference
CTA Debt Policy
The Debt Management Policy serves as a management tool to enable the Chicago Transit Authority to identify transactions that utilize debt in the most efficient manner and provide for full and timely repayment of all borrowings. It establishes guidelines for the appropriate amount and type of debt as a means of achieving the lowest possible cost of capital within prudent risk parameters and ensuring ongoing access to the capital markets. And it also addresses the method of bond sale and the selection of bond professionals.
CTA Investment Policy
Presentations
2016 Chicago Investors Conference presentation (8/3/2016)
The President's 2019 Budget Recommendations book provides an overview of the proposed 2019 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.
2019 Budget Recommendations
2019 Budget Recommendations accessible text version