24-Oct-19 – Riding alone in a car service downtown will cost more due to transportation initiatives aimed at decreasing congestion and encouraging more people to use the CTA.

A new congestion tax applied to Chicago’s three active ride-hailing companies – Lyft, Uber, and Via – was announced on October 18 by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who says it will generate $40 million for Chicago.

“Our city, like many others across the nation, has experienced skyrocketing congestion growth due in part to the rapid growth of ride-hailing companies, making it increasingly difficult for those who rely upon Chicago’s streets for commerce or transportation, and plaguing our downtown,” said Lightfoot (left).

Ride share fees will increase citywide and in a special downtown area between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Presently, downtown ride sharing trips have a total of 72 cents per ride in taxes and fees. The new proposal would decrease the amount for shared trips to 65 cents and increase single rides to $1.25.

Citywide, single riders will pay $1.25, about 53 cents more than they do now. In the special downtown zone, single-trip fees will add up to $3.00, which is $2.28 more than riders pay now.

The proposed zone includes the Loop, River North, Streeterville, Gold Coast, Old Town, and a portion of the West Loop. Boundary streets include Lake Shore Drive, Roosevelt Road, Desplaines Street, Van Buren Street, Ashland Avenue, Grand Avenue, North Branch Canal, and North Avenue.