Regional authority approves CTA fare hikes
BY STACY WARDEN
August 23, 2007 | 4:54 PM
The Regional Transportation Authority voted today to sharply raise CTA fares starting Sept. 16.
Under the new fare schedule, El riders using cash and transit cards will be charged $3 during new peak hours. Chicago Card holders will pay $2.50. Monthly passes are set to increase to $84.
Riders can also look forward to longer commutes and the elimination of 39 regular bus routes, as the RTA approved layoffs for 600 Chicago Transit workers.
At the meeting, CTA officials said the moves were likely to force tens of thousands of riders to find other ways to get to work and school every day.
Karen Escobar is one of many riders who will not be paying the new fares. "It's ridiculous that it can cost that much just to get around the city. They should at least offer discounts to students."
The new fare structure has prompted harsh words from many riders. A Daily News survey of the nation's five largest transit system found the CTA's fares will be the highest in the country.
CTA officials have said the cuts are required because of years of shrinking state funding. State legislators are still debating next year's budget. If they pass a fiscal plan that includes funding for the CTA, the agency could back away from the fare increases.
"If the funding does not go through, prospects for 2008 are even worse." said RTA Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administrative Services, Joseph Costello.
State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka attended the meeting and questioned how the agency fell into this financial fiasco.
CTA Executive Vice President of Management and Performance, Dorval R. Carter said funding has been an ongoing issue.
"While costs of fuel and maintenance continue to increase, our funds remain the same," he said, "this is not something that happened overnight."
Topinka sought answers to more pressing matters when she asked, "Can Chicago sustain the Olympics if transit is not supported?"
CTA Chairman Carole Brown said that without additional funding, the agency would be hard pressed to stay in business, let alone ferry Olympic athletes around the city.
"It will no longer be a matter of chugging along," said Brown, who left the meeting shortly before voting on the budget.
RTA Director William Couison, the only member to oppose approval, inquired whether or not the Yellow Line would continue to operate on a regular basis.
"I promised my wife that I would ask," he said.
Under the new fare schedule, El riders using cash and transit cards will be charged $3 during new peak hours. Chicago Card holders will pay $2.50. Monthly passes are set to increase to $84.
Riders can also look forward to longer commutes and the elimination of 39 regular bus routes, as the RTA approved layoffs for 600 Chicago Transit workers.
At the meeting, CTA officials said the moves were likely to force tens of thousands of riders to find other ways to get to work and school every day.
Karen Escobar is one of many riders who will not be paying the new fares. "It's ridiculous that it can cost that much just to get around the city. They should at least offer discounts to students."
The new fare structure has prompted harsh words from many riders. A Daily News survey of the nation's five largest transit system found the CTA's fares will be the highest in the country.
CTA officials have said the cuts are required because of years of shrinking state funding. State legislators are still debating next year's budget. If they pass a fiscal plan that includes funding for the CTA, the agency could back away from the fare increases.
"If the funding does not go through, prospects for 2008 are even worse." said RTA Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administrative Services, Joseph Costello.
State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka attended the meeting and questioned how the agency fell into this financial fiasco.
CTA Executive Vice President of Management and Performance, Dorval R. Carter said funding has been an ongoing issue.
"While costs of fuel and maintenance continue to increase, our funds remain the same," he said, "this is not something that happened overnight."
Topinka sought answers to more pressing matters when she asked, "Can Chicago sustain the Olympics if transit is not supported?"
CTA Chairman Carole Brown said that without additional funding, the agency would be hard pressed to stay in business, let alone ferry Olympic athletes around the city.
"It will no longer be a matter of chugging along," said Brown, who left the meeting shortly before voting on the budget.
RTA Director William Couison, the only member to oppose approval, inquired whether or not the Yellow Line would continue to operate on a regular basis.
"I promised my wife that I would ask," he said.
Tagged: Transit
Discuss
Please log in or register to post your comment.