Rideshare drivers operating in Chicago are now seeing a new city surcharge applied to trips that begin or end in designated congestion zones. The added fee officially took effect Tuesday, January 6, and applies to Uber and Lyft rides within specific parts of the city during most daytime and evening hours.
The change is part of Chicago’s Ground Transportation Tax and is tied directly to where and when a trip occurs, not how long it lasts.
Where the congestion zone fees apply
The new surcharge applies only to trips that take place within two defined areas of Chicago.
Zone 1 covers a large portion of the city. Its boundaries include Foster Avenue, Ashland Avenue, Diversey Parkway, Western Avenue, 18th Street, 31st Street, and DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Navy Pier and McCormick Place are excluded from this zone.
Zone 2 includes much of Hyde Park. The boundaries are Cottage Grove Avenue, Hyde Park Boulevard, South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and 60th Street.
If a trip starts or ends inside one of these zones during the applicable hours, the surcharge applies.
How much the surcharge adds to each trip
The amount of the fee depends on the type of ride and the day of the week.
Single rides taken within either congestion zone now include an additional $1.50 per vehicle per ride between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Shared rides include an added $0.60 per vehicle per ride on weekdays, Monday through Friday, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
These fees apply regardless of trip distance and are tied strictly to location and time.
What this means for drivers on the road
For drivers, the surcharge may change rider behavior in certain parts of the city. Some passengers may ask questions about higher prices, while others may shift pickup or drop off points just outside the zone boundaries.
Drivers working downtown, near major offices, or around Hyde Park should expect the fee to show up consistently during daytime and evening hours. Understanding exactly where the zone lines fall can help drivers anticipate questions and avoid confusion during pickups.
Where the tax revenue is going
The congestion zone surcharge is part of Chicago’s 2026 budget plan. City officials have said the funds are intended to support public transit, including CTA operations.
The fee follows recent state-level action approving a plan to finance public transit in Northern Illinois and address a significant funding shortfall.
What drivers should watch going forward?
As with any new city-level fee, drivers should keep an eye on how platforms display the surcharge in trip breakdowns and how riders respond over time. Location-based fees can influence demand patterns, especially during peak commuting hours.
For drivers running in Chicago regularly, knowing the zone boundaries and surcharge hours is now part of doing business in the city.
Source: Secret Chicago
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