Lawmakers mull CTA funding fix
BY STACY WARDEN
August 29, 2007 | 5:11 PM
Chicago-area state legislators gave a favorable review today to a sales tax increase that would prevent CTA fare hikes and service cutbacks from taking effect Sept. 16.
If passed, the bill will increase the sales tax in the six-county Chicago area by a quarter percent. The CTA would gain 48% of generated revenue. The remainder would be split between Metra and Pace.
Without the tax, El riders will pay up to $3 during rush hour beginning on Sept. 16. The CTA's monthly pass would rise $9, to $84.
State Rep. Julie Hamos [D-Evanston], the bill's sponsor, says that it will solve transit system issues for decades to come.
Jim Reilly, chairman of the regional transportation board that oversees the CTA, agreed.
"This bill takes a real problem and really solves it-a rare thing in government," said Reilly.
Ayo Maat, coordinator of the Independent Movement of Paratransit, said the bill would benefit handicapped public transit users.
"People will only have to pay a quarter for every $100 that they spend, that's a lot better than another increase in fares," she said.
Lawmakers at today's hearing said they are confident the bill will pass when the state House and Senate vote on it next week.
If they're right, fare prices will continue to rise, but they will do so at a gradual pace.
"I'm going to urge our leaders to put aside their differences and get this thing done for us," said Sid Mathias [R-Springfield].
"If we don't get funding from the state, the outcome will be absolutely disastrous for all of us," said rider Eleanore Enquist. "So many people count on public transportation for their daily needs, without it they'll be out of jobs and stuck at home."
If passed, the bill will increase the sales tax in the six-county Chicago area by a quarter percent. The CTA would gain 48% of generated revenue. The remainder would be split between Metra and Pace.
Without the tax, El riders will pay up to $3 during rush hour beginning on Sept. 16. The CTA's monthly pass would rise $9, to $84.
State Rep. Julie Hamos [D-Evanston], the bill's sponsor, says that it will solve transit system issues for decades to come.
Jim Reilly, chairman of the regional transportation board that oversees the CTA, agreed.
"This bill takes a real problem and really solves it-a rare thing in government," said Reilly.
Ayo Maat, coordinator of the Independent Movement of Paratransit, said the bill would benefit handicapped public transit users.
"People will only have to pay a quarter for every $100 that they spend, that's a lot better than another increase in fares," she said.
Lawmakers at today's hearing said they are confident the bill will pass when the state House and Senate vote on it next week.
If they're right, fare prices will continue to rise, but they will do so at a gradual pace.
"I'm going to urge our leaders to put aside their differences and get this thing done for us," said Sid Mathias [R-Springfield].
"If we don't get funding from the state, the outcome will be absolutely disastrous for all of us," said rider Eleanore Enquist. "So many people count on public transportation for their daily needs, without it they'll be out of jobs and stuck at home."
Discuss
Please log in or register to post your comment.