Chicago implements new rideshare surcharges in expanded congestion zones, adding fees of $1.50 per ride or $0.60 for shared rides during peak hours
New Rideshare Surcharge in Chicago’s Congestion Zones
CHICAGO – A new surcharge on rideshare trips that start or end in Chicago’s congestion zones began on Tuesday.
The City of Chicago has changed the name of its former “Downtown Zone” to the “Congestion Zone” and expanded its boundaries, leading to new fees for rideshare users.
Riders will incur an extra $1.50 per ride for any trip that includes a pick-up or drop-off in Congestion Zone One or Two. This fee is in effect seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For shared rides, an additional $0.60 surcharge will apply on weekdays during the same hours if the trip includes a pick-up or drop-off in either congestion zone.
The congestion zone covers much of downtown Chicago and nearby neighborhoods, but it excludes Navy Pier and McCormick Place. A smaller second zone is located in the Hyde Park area.
The city has released a map showing the updated boundaries of the congestion zones.
This new surcharge is part of a series of new taxes approved in the city budget last month that took effect this year.
Other new measures include a tax on grocery bags, alcohol from off-site consumption establishments, and taxes on social media and sports betting companies, among others.
Summary of New Rideshare Surcharges
| Type of Ride | Surcharge Amount | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Ride | $1.50 | Every Day | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Shared Ride | $0.60 | Weekdays | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
