The Metra 2026 operating budget totals USD 1.2 billion, keeps fares and service levels unchanged, and relies on new state funding as federal relief approaches its end.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Metra 2026 operating budget and state funding
Metra Copyright D&S

Metra 2026 operating budget and new state support

Metra’s Board of Directors has approved a USD 1.2 billion operating budget for 2026 and kept both fares and service levels intact, because new state funding from recent Illinois legislation closes a key financial gap, as reported by Railway Age.

At the same time, the board has endorsed a USD 515.3 million capital programme that continues major investments in bridges, stations and Metra’s rolling stock fleet, a package that coverage from Progressive Railroading also highlights.

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Earlier in the autumn, Illinois lawmakers approved reforms and new public transport funding for northeast Illinois, responding to the looming depletion of COVID-19 relief. Metra and other Chicago-area transit agencies have relied on assistance since the pandemic began, and Metra expects it to end in final quarter 2025.

In October, Metra proposed a 2026 budget that raised fares and shifted operating dollars to capital in order to close a projected funding gap. New state funding of USD 27.9 million now covers that shortfall, removes the planned USD 60 million operating-to-capital transfer, and allows modest service increases.

The USD 1.2 billion operating budget includes USD 55 million in costs for NICTD’s capacity expansion programme on the Metra Electric Line, which NICTD reimburses. Excluding these costs, the operating budget stands around USD 50 million higher than in 2025, a change that reflects several underlying pressures.

Inflation, contractual increases, higher expenses for UP and BNSF-operated services, vacancy reductions and additional service provision all contribute to the higher total.

Metra assembles the Metra 2026 operating budget from several funding streams that balance system-generated income, regional tax support, federal relief and the new state contribution. System-generated revenue totals USD 305.1 million, including USD 187.9 million from fares, while regional sales tax receipts add USD 635.9 million to the operating plan. Remaining federal COVID-19 relief provides USD 206.1 million, and the new state funding of USD 27.9 million closes the projected operating shortfall.

Metra 2026 operating budget and capital programme priorities

The USD 515.3 million capital programme for 2026 continues major investments in bridges, stations and Metra’s rolling stock fleet across the network. Federal formula funding and discretionary grants supply USD 426.7 million, while Illinois PAYGO funding contributes USD 88.6 million to the capital programme. An RTA Access to Transit grant adds a further USD 100,000 and completes the capital funding structure for the year.

The plan allocates USD 268.2 million for rolling stock and USD 68.5 million for bridges, track and structures within the Metra system. It directs USD 59.1 million to signals, electrical and communications, USD 27.3 million to facilities and equipment, and USD 59.9 million to stations and parking. The remaining USD 32.3 million goes to support activities within the capital plan, covering work that accompanies and enables the listed investment categories.

Together, the Metra 2026 operating budget and the associated capital programme illustrate how the agency balances near-term operating needs with ongoing system investment.

The focus on stable service, structured revenues and defined investment categories supports clearer planning for the agency and frames expectations for stakeholders and riders.

Metra will submit the 2026 budget and capital programme to the Regional Transportation Authority for final approval, aligning with the broader framework outlined on the RTA’s 2026 regional transit budget page.

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