Chicago Transit Ridership Up, Secures $1.38B Funding

Chicago transit ridership climbed in 2025, with CTA reaching 135.2 million rides, and secured $1.38B in annual funding following the NITA Act.

Chicago Transit Ridership Up, Secures $1.38B Funding
February 7, 2026 2:20 pm
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📉 Executive Brief:
  • Event: Chicago transit ridership increased 2025, secured $1.38B annual funding.
  • Financial Impact: $1.2 billion annual operating, $180 million annual capital (Chicago); $15.8 billion capital, $12 billion rolling stock (NYC MTA).
  • Strategic Value: Dedicated funding stabilizes Chicago transit, major investments drive regional modernization.

CHICAGO – The Regional Transportation Authority reported increased rail ridership for the Chicago Transit Authority and Metra in 2025. CTA ridership rose 6% to 135.2 million rides, while Metra ridership increased 8% to 38 million rides. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act in December 2025, providing $1.2 billion in annual operating funding and $180 million annually for capital projects for Chicago-area transit agencies. Concurrently, New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) committed a record $15.8 billion to capital projects in 2025 and announced a $12 billion initiative to replace aging trains and modernize its bus fleet.

Category Specification / Detail
Project / Contract NITA Act, CTA service frequency, Metra station renovations, MTA 2025-2029 Capital Plan, MTA Rolling Stock Program
Key Stakeholders RTA, CTA, Metra, Pace, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, NITA, MTA, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul
Timeline / Deadline 2025, December 2025, 2026, 2025-2029
Technical Specs CTA 6% ridership increase (135.2M rides), Metra 8% ridership increase (38M rides), $1.2B annual operating funding, $180M annual capital funding, $15.8B MTA capital investment (2025), $12B MTA train/bus replacement

Operational Analysis

CTA’s 6% ridership increase to 135.2 million rides in 2025 was supported by added service frequency and completed rail station accessibility projects. Metra’s 8% ridership increase to 38 million rides in 2025 followed multiple station renovations and increased service frequency on Union Pacific-North, UP-West, and BNSF lines. Metra also extended its reduced fare program to low-income riders in Cook County.

The NITA Act, signed in December 2025, established a dedicated funding source for Chicago-area transit agencies, providing $1.2 billion in annual operating funding and an additional $180 million annually for capital projects. The RTA expects ridership will continue to grow in 2026 and beyond.

New York City’s MTA committed a record $15.8 billion to capital projects in 2025, aligning with its 2025-2029 Capital Plan. This plan includes $2.75 billion for the Interborough Express and $3.4 billion for state-of-good repair projects. The MTA also announced a $12 billion initiative to replace aging trains and modernize its bus fleet.

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Strategic Impact

The NITA Act’s $1.38 billion annual funding stream for Chicago-area transit agencies ensures financial stability and supports projected ridership growth beyond 2026. This dedicated funding mitigates previous fiscal challenges for CTA, Metra, and Pace. Significant capital investments by both Chicago and New York transit authorities, totaling over $29 billion across various projects, indicate a strong regional commitment to infrastructure modernization and service expansion. These investments aim to improve accessibility, increase service frequency, and replace aging rolling stock, potentially enhancing public transit’s competitive position against other transport modes.