The cost of riding a Chicago Transit Authority bus or train will increase next year, regardless of what happens in Springfield this month as lawmakers seek to address a massive budget gap facing Chicago-area transit agencies.

Fares will increase 25 cents for using a train or bus starting Feb. 1, according to CTA’s 2026 budget recommendations released Monday. A $2.25 bus ride will cost $2.50. Train rides will increase from $2.50 to $2.75.

That’s roughly in line with the 10% fare increases that acting CTA commissioner Nora Leerhsen said to expect while laying out preliminary budget information this month before the Regional Transportation Authority. Metra and Pace say they will also implement similar fare increases. Metra last week said it would raise fares by 13% to 15%.

The CTA is also

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