CHICAGO - Metra riders may have to pay more next year to get around as the agency is proposing a fare increase to help close a budget deficit created by the ending of federal COVID-19 relief funds.

In its 2026 budget proposal, Metra is proposing to raise funds by a minimum of 10% as mandated by the Regional Transit Authority, as public transportation agencies deal with the funding cliff without significantly cutting service to riders.

If approved, it would be the first across-the-board fare increases since 2018, according to a news release.

Fare increases

What to Expect:

For instance, a one-way ticket from Zone 1 to Zone 2 will increase from $3.75 to $4.25; Travelers from Zone 1 to 3 will see an increase of $5.50 to $6.25 and tickets from Zone 1 to Zone 4 will increase from $6.7

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