CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) – CTA, Metra and Pace riders could see expanded service without higher fares under the Northern Illinois Transit Authority’s proposed $5.04 billion operating budget for 2027.
The proposal would add overnight service on six CTA bus routes, Sunday service on select Pace routes and expanded service on Metra’s Rock Island Line. It also includes transit ambassadors beginning next summer, a pilot program for new fare gates and coordinated law enforcement and social service responses.
The agency is accepting public comments through Dec. 4. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12 at its offices, 175 W. Jackson Blvd., with participation also available online. The meeting begins at 1 p.m., with public comment expected to start around 4 p.m. and remain open until 6 p.m.
Alongside the operating budget, NITA proposed a $9.73 billion capital program covering 2027 through 2031. Major investments include the CTA Red Line Extension, new buses and rail cars, and station accessibility improvements. nita.illinois.gov
Additional tax revenue would help support the service improvements without raising fares. NITA expects $1.3 billion in additional revenue next year from an expanded Chicago-region sales tax and redirected state sales tax revenue on gasoline.
Riders can review the proposal and submit comments on NITA’s budget website.
