Two recent stories “Fare changes, consolidated transit agencies among the ideas to reshape Chicago-area public transportation” and “The 9-to-5 commuter is going extinct. That spells change ahead for Metra” demonstrate the complex situation regional transit is facing: Public transit plays an essential role in the lives of millions of riders across the Chicago region and has the potential to reach even more people — but the system has been drastically underfunded for decades. Increasing investment in transit and ensuring it is less reliant on rider fares is key to continuing to adapt, attract more riders, expand access and advance equity, grow our economy, and combat climate change.
On Thursday, Aug. 3, the CTA experienced its highest ridership since COVID-19 began — just shy of 1,000,000 rides. Metra and Pace have seen ridership grow over the summer as well. While total ridership does remain below pre-COVID levels, our data indicates 80% of riders have returned to the system, but they are riding less frequently given changing commute patterns since the pandemic began.
