The Chicago Transit Authority said today it is planning further service cutbacks, layoffs and fare increases to cope with a projected $158 million funding shortfall in 2008.

CTA President Ron Huberman said the cutbacks will be necessary unless state legislators approve a funding package for the agency.

"It's a budget we hope that we'll never have to announce," said Huberman.

The elimination of 82 bus routes will force 250,000 riders to find alternate transportation beginning Jan. 6 2008. Other riders may fare no better, Huberman said, because overcrowding will cause them to wait through 2 to 4 buses until they are able to board.

"People will show up at a bus stop and simply not be able to get on a bus," said Huberman.

The price to get cozy with other impatient riders? Customers paying cash will have to fork over $3.25 during peak hours, Chicago Card users will be charged $2.50, and 30 day passes will jump from $75 to $94.

Three bus garages will be shutdown and bus signs will be covered with zip bags in anticipation of a future fix. The agency plans to keep rail service running and is working to eliminate slow zones and improve rail stations.

Huberman said the proposed plans are difficult for everyone. "Our workforce is going through trials and tribulations." He mentioned that a model employee of the agency recently took a lesser paying job because she could no loner handle the agency's "ups and downs."

When asked whether Springfield will pull through at this point, Huberman responded: "We remain hopeful, because what other option is there?"

CTA Chairman Carole Brown said the agency takes public input very seriously and encouraged riders to attend public hearings on the cuts. Hearings will be held at 6 p.m. on the following dates:

Oct. 30 at Lane Tech High School
Nov. 1 at Percy L. Julian High School
Nov. 5 at CTA Headquarters