Fare Hikes And Service Cuts For Bus Riders In Chicago

"The combination of fare hikes and service cuts would begin in mid-September, and would result in a loss of 260,000 rides each weekday, according to the Chicago Transit Authority's projection. CTA buses and trains now provide 1.6 million rides each day."

"The CTA says it needs an extra $97.5 million in state money."

"Fare increases would range from 25 cents to $1.25 per ride depending on the time of day and mode of travel, he said. Higher fares would be charged during rush periods, with $2.75 a ride on buses and $3.25 on trains."

"CTA President Ron Huberman said the agency's plan was not an attempt to pressure state lawmakers to come up with more funding."

"'If we made no changes, the CTA would be out of service in October,' he said, adding that the agency would be unable to meet payroll."