At its October 2025 meeting, the board at Chicago’s Pace approved the release of the agency’s proposed 2026 Operating and Capital Budget for public review. 

Pace’s Suburban Service Operating Budget is balanced to the Regional Transportation Authority’s (RTA) funding marks, which are 3.1% lower than 2025 funding levels. This proposed budget maintains current suburban fixed route service levels and invests in critical infrastructure.

“Thanks to years of fiscal discipline, Pace can maintain service into 2027, but we must also plan responsibly for the future. These hearings will give the public a chance to weigh in on these important decisions,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.

Pace’s Budget Issues

Like many transit agencies across the country, Pace and its peer agencies are approaching a fiscal cliff as federal relief funds expire and operating expenses rise. 

The 2026 Suburban Service Operating Budget includes a proposed 10% average fare increase for all services as directed by the RTA. This is Pace’s first fare increase since 2018. 

“Pace is committed to providing as much service as possible with the funding that we have available,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “We know this will be difficult for some riders, and these are not easy decisions.”

The proposed budget also includes $13.8 million in operating efficiencies through the delay of planned service improvements, a hiring freeze, and other administrative expense reductions. 

ADA and Public Feedback

The 2026 Regional ADA Paratransit budget is balanced to the RTA-approved funding levels with a proposed fare increase from $3.25 to $3.50 for all ADA services. 

The budget also maintains the RTA-mandated 30-trip cap on Pace’s Rideshare Access Program (RAP) and Taxi Access Program (TAP) services, which are funded to operate through the first quarter of 2026.

Pace will hold nine public hearings across its six-county service area to present its proposed 2026 budget, capital program, and financial plan.