Chicago Transit Authority Approves Fare Hike

The Chicago Transit Authority Board voted unanimously to raise fares, despite shrinking ridership.

1 minute read

December 20, 2017, 10:00 AM PST

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


Chicago Transit

Tripp / Flickr

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will raise its fares by $.25. The increase comes after budget cuts from the state and fare hikes from the city's other two transit agencies. "The 2018 fare increase — the first across-the-board increase in nine years — is intended to help fill a more than $33 million hole caused, in part, by a drop in state funding for the transit service, which provides about 1.6 million rides every weekday," Mary Wisniewski reports for the Chicago Tribune.

The CTA also faces an issue of shrinking ridership, a problem the agency blames in part on low gas prices and the growth of ride share services. "Charles Paidock, secretary of the transit riders' advocacy group Citizens Taking Action, said the state budget cuts were not an emergency that justified a fare increase, and that the hike will only add to the CTA's problems of shrinking ridership," Wisniewski writes.

The budget now needs the approval of the regional transit authority. If it gets okayed the hike will go into effect January 7.

Thursday, December 14, 2017 in Chicago Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog