The Metra Board of Directors approved a 2025 operating budget of $1.135 billion that holds fares steady at current levels and relies on strong sales tax revenues and a dwindling allotment of federal COVID relief aid to cover the expected growth in expenses.

A $366.4 million capital plan was also approved that continues major investment in bridges, stations and new and rehabilitated rolling stock.

Expanding Capacity

The 2025 operating budget includes about $65 million in costs associated with a capacity expansion on the Metra Electric Line for the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), which NICTD is covering. Excluding those costs, the budget is about 4.1% higher than the 2024 budget, largely due to expected inflationary, contractual, and market increases.

It includes additional spending related to new regulations and related training, upgrades to Metra’s Positive Train Control safety system, related to heightened cybersecurity risks, and increased costs related to marketing.

Budget Breakdown

The budget is funded by system-generated revenue of $304.1 million, including $184.2 million in fares, based on a projection that ridership will grow about 7% in 2025 to 39 million passenger trips. It also is funded by $592.5 million in regional sale tax receipts and $238.4 million out of Metra’s remaining $331.8 million in federal COVID relief funding.

The COVID relief funding, approved by Washington to help transit agencies cope with the pandemic related drop in ridership and fare revenue, is expected to run out in 2026 at Metra, CTA, and Pace. Lawmakers in Springfield are aware of the impending problem and have begun to work on potential solutions.

The proposed $366.4 million capital program allocated $93.8 million to rolling stock, $101.8 million to bridges, track, and structures, $39.2 million to signal, electrical and communication, $57 million to facilities and equipment, $34.9 million to stations and parking, and $39.8 million to support activities.

The capital program is funded with $242.3 million in federal formula funding, $29 million in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds, $88.6 million in state PAYGO funds, and $6.5 million in RTA Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement funds.

The full budget can be viewed here.