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Metro outlines $1.05B operating budget proposal, plans 13% fare increase and major capital program
Summary
Metro presented a draft fiscal-2026 operating budget that uses a 13% fare increase and COVID-reserve funds to avoid service cuts in 2026, while warning of a larger structural budget gap when one-time reserves are exhausted.
Metro officials presented a draft operating budget and five-year capital plan to the McHenry County transportation committee and answered local questions about the Woodstock rail yard and bridge-replacement program.
John Morris, Metros head financial officer, said the agency is releasing a draft operating budget for public comment that totals roughly $1.107 billion across all pass-through work, with approximately $1.052 billion in direct Metro operating lines. The proposal relies on a system-generated revenue forecast of about $325 million (including an assumed 13% fare increase that raises single-ride fares to roughly $7.75 and monthly passes from $135 to $155) and continued use…
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