The Chicago Transit Authority won't increase its fares next year, the agency announced in a press release that detailed its proposed $1.475 billion operating budget. Riders will still be able to pay $2.25 for a one-way trip (or $3 for a single ride ticket at a Ventra machine), and one-day, three-day, seven-day and 30-day passes will stay put at $10, $20, $28 and $100, respectively.
The CTA hasn't increased its single ride fares since 2009, when the cost jumped from $2 to the current rate. In 2013, the agency jacked up the price of passes and added a surcharge at O'Hare, forcing riders who board there to pay $5 for a ride.
Even without a fare hike, the CTA has some pretty exciting projects in the works. "Loop Link," a new bus rapid transit system, will roll out downtown early next year. The Washington/Wabash El station will also open up in 2016, which is a pretty big upgrade from the dilapidated Madison/Wabash stop that closed earlier this year. On top of that, construction will continue on an ongoing series of service upgrades on Blue Line, Red Line and Brown Line tracks.
Next week, City Council is poised to approve a 2016 budget that will bring a slew of tax and fee increases citywide. At least Chicagoans won't be shelling out extra cash for their commutes.