Chicago Transit Authority Plans For Possible Budget Shortfall

8 August 2007 - 2:00pm

Facing the prospect of not receiving crucial state funding, the Chicago Transit Authority has released a "doomsday" plan to guide the system's reaction to the budget shortfall. Some services would have to be cut, but not as many as expected earlier.

"The plan would reduce service overall by 8 percent, compared with 13 percent under the contingency plan that the CTA announced in May. There would be $7.5 million in service cuts, as opposed to $15 million in service cuts that were announced in May under the contingency plan."

"Instead of 63 bus routes being eliminated, 39 would be eliminated under the latest plan. In addition, Yellow Line Skokie Swift service would not be eliminated, as was discussed under the May plan."

"Under the modified plan, the current $2 cash bus fare would increase to $2.50. The cash fare on trains would increase from the current $2 to $2.50 during off-peak hours, and $3 during peak hours."

Source: The Chicago Tribune, August 8, 2007
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These practices are also inequitable since they force non-drivers to subsidize parking costs, reduce travel options for non-drivers, and reduce housing affordability.