The Chicago region's fixed-route transit ridership surpassed 370 million as all three operators-Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace-continued enhancing service

CHICAGO, JAN. 30, 2026 - Ridership across the Chicago region's transit system continued to increase throughout 2025, according to the latest data from CTA, Metra and Pace. The region's fixed route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City. This momentum is only expected to continue with the signing of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act in December, providing an estimated $1.2 billion in new annual operating funding for transit service and an additional estimated $180 million annually for capital projects.

Transit riders took more rides on all days of the week in 2025 compared to 2024 with Thursdays having the largest percentage increase and Tuesdays and Wednesdays seeing the most overall rides. Daily ridership exceeded 1 million on 236 days last year, and RTA's recently approved 2026 regional transit budget including new funding from the NITA Act ensures service can meet the growing demand this year.

In 2025, CTA rail provided 135.2 million rides, an increase over 2024 of 6 percent. CTA buses provided 184 million rides, a year-over-year increase of 1 percent and the highest post-pandemic recovery rate of all modes at 78 percent of pre-pandemic levels. Overall CTA ridership for 2025 reached 319.2 million, a CTA systemwide increase of 3 percent. After achieving pre-pandemic service levels in 2024, CTA consistently added service throughout 2025, expanding the Frequent Network with buses coming every 10 minutes or better on 20 routes across CTA's network.

Accessible rail stations, including those opened as part of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Project, had 368,000 more rides or a 22 percent increase from the previous year for the months of August through December.

Throughout 2025, CTA continued working closely with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to implement the Better Streets for Buses Plan. This plan was released at the end of 2023 and was Chicago's first citywide framework for bus priority infrastructure, including bus-only lanes and traffic signal adjustments to enhanced bus stop areas. Five corridors-Pulaski, Western, Cottage Grove, Fullerton, and 55th/Garfield-have been selected for developing concepts for robust, corridor-scale bus priority. Outreach to communities and stakeholders along these corridors began in 2025.

Metra saw a year-over-year ridership increase of 8 percent, providing nearly 38 million rides as it settled into a simplified fare structure launched in 2024 and continued to work toward a regional rail vision. This vision calls for providing more consistent, predictable service outside of peak work commute times. In 2025, Metra completed multiple station renovations and added service to lines including UP-North, UP-West and BNSF. Metra also extended the Access Pilot Program in partnership with the RTA and Cook County, offering reduced fares to riders experiencing low incomes.

In 2025, Pace bus ridership decreased by 3 percent, providing 16.4 million rides, though overall recovery from the pandemic remains strong at 67 percent. Pace continues to see strong demand for its bus rapid transit Pulse lines. The agency is also undergoing a network revitalization plan called ReVision with the goal of increasing service where it is needed most.

RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace launched a Regional Day Pass in 2025 that allows unlimited rides on all three agencies in a single day, streamlining how people move across the Chicago region. The agencies also extended free rides on fixed-route transit to all ADA Paratransit certified riders, who previously only rode free on Pace buses. With more funding available in 2026, expansion and streamlining of RTA's Reduced Fare and Ride Free programs is likely to continue encouraging more ridership.

"For the fourth year in a row, we have seen ridership increases in the millions across the regional transit system as CTA, Metra and Pace continue to improve service and adapt to rider demand," said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden. "These improvements can continue and accelerate in 2026 and beyond thanks to additional funding and governance reform from the NITA Act, with the RTA beginning its transition to NITA this June."