Chicago transit stories to watch in 2026
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The feds delivered the CTA a blow at the end of last year when the Federal Transit Administration threatened to cut funding if the agency didn't improve safety.
The big picture: Safety is just one of the major issues and projects CTA and other Chicago-area public transit agencies are facing in 2026.
The latest: Just this week, CTA closed the State and Lake station for three years to build a modernized terminal.
Here are four other transit issues we're watching:
FTA funding threats
A day after the CTA implemented a safety plan last month that deployed more police and security guards, the FTA basically said: Not good enough.
Catch up quick: The plan was in response to an earlier letter from the FTA saying the CTA must implement a safety plan by Dec. 19, a few weeks after a horrific attack on the Blue Line made international news and caught President Trump's attention.
What's at stake: Potentially $50 million, according to the FTA.
What's next: The CTA has 90 days to comply with the request.
Red Line Extension
Last October, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the long-awaited project to bring CTA access to Chicago's South Side was under administrative review.
- White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the review was prompted by CTA awarding construction projects based on race.
What they're saying: The CTA was notified of DOT's initial findings last month.
- "The entities also were notified of steps they must take to eradicate these discriminatory practices, which will allow for Federal funds to resume for these important infrastructure projects," a DOT spokesperson told Axios in a statement.
NITA (Northern Illinois Transit Authority) Act
The state legislature passed a $1.2 billion funding bill during the fall veto session for area transit — CTA, Metra and Pace. Part of the law includes the creation of NITA to replace the RTA, which currently oversees the separate agencies.
- NITA will be responsible for setting new fare prices across all systems, including the creation of a universal fare collection app by 2030.
Of note: The legislation stipulates no new fare increases in 2026.
Englewood Green Line
The transit bill also delivered a win for Englewood residents with the promise to remodel, renovate or construct a new Green Line station in the South Side neighborhood by 2029.
Flashback: The station at 63rd and Racine closed decades ago, and residents and activists have been fighting for its return.
Between the lines: The closure was supposed to be temporary, but former Ald. Arenda Troutman pushed for its demolition in 1996, Block Club reported. Landmarks Illinois saved it from demolition, certifying it as a national landmark.