Advocating for Reduced Transit Fairs for Low-Income Riders in Chicago

A new report by the Active Transportation Alliance builds the case for reduced transit fares on all three transit systems in the Chicago region.

November 19, 2019, 10am PST | James Brasuell | @CasualBrasuell

Jess Kraft

Shutterstock

"A leading transportation advocacy group wants CTA, Metra and Pace to cut fares in half for low-income riders, at a cost of $175 million a year," reports Mary Wisniewski.

That leading transportation advocacy group would be the Active Transportation Alliance, which released a "Fair Fares Chicago" report on Monday, November 18. The report argue that reduced fares would encourage more transit use and connect people to needed resources like jobs, school, and medical services.

More details on the proposal are included in the article, as well as skepticism from officials at the CTA that the transit agency could maintain a balanced budget while reducing fares. A "Seniors Ride Free" program instituted in 2008 caused budget headaches for all three transit agencies, according to Wisniewski.

Full Story:

Fairer fares for the poor? Advocates want reduced Metra, CTA fares for low-income riders, but the costs would be high for transi

Published on Monday, November 18, 2019 in Chicago Tribune