Chicago Transit Board Approves Fare Hikes, Service Cuts
- By Kevin Zolkiewicz
The Chicago Transit Board today approved plans to slash service by up to 36% and raise fares by 25 cents for some riders. The service changes would go into effect July 17th, unless the Illinois General Assembly provides the CTA with a bailout of $55 million dollars to cover this year?s operating budget deficit.
The plan approved today is a hybrid of the five scenarios originally presented to the board last month. Under the plan, CTA service would operate on a Sunday schedule everyday of the week with some added service during rush hour periods. A total of 54 bus routes would be eliminated along with Purple Line Express rail service.
In addition to the service cuts, fares would go up by 25 cents for some riders. On the rail system, those using either cash or Transit Card would pay $2.00 a ride and transfers would no longer be available. Customers paying with the Chicago Card or Chicago Card Plus would see no increase in fare and transfers would still be available.
Bus riders who pay with cash would also pay $2.00 a ride, while Chicago Card, Chicago Card Plus, and Transit Card customers would see no increase. Transfers would no longer be available to those paying with cash.
The cost of weekly and monthly passes would stay the same.
Reduced fare riders who pay with cash would see their fare increase by 15 cents to $1.00 a ride.
The CTA says the cuts would result in the elimination of 2,000 jobs.
PDF File: “Fare Service Reducations & Elminations”:http://www.transitchicago.com/news/motion/board/servicereductions.pdf
PDF File: “Fare Structure Revision”:http://www.transitchicago.com/news/motion/board/farerevisions.pdf