It's that time of the year, as the Chicago Transit Authority has unveiled its new budget including plans to raise fares once again. The agency is considering an ordinance to adopt a new 2010 Operating Budget and Program, the 2010 Capital Program of Projects and the Financial Plan for 2011 and 2012, along with proposed fare increases and service reductions.
Public hearings will be held on the city's north, south and west sides to allow comment by the public on the proposed plans. The dates and times of the hearings are:
-Monday November 2, 2009 at 6:00 PM at Lane Technical High School located at 2501 West Addison Street, Chicago, Illinois
-Tuesday November 3, 2009 at 6:00 PM at the South Shore Cultural Center located at 7059 South Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois
-In addition, The CTA will hold an informational meeting on the proposed fare increase and service reduction on Thursday October 29, 2009 at 6:00 PM at the Austin Town Hall located at 5610 West Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois 60644. These facilities are all accessible to people with disabilities. "
The proposed "2010 Budget Book and Project Descriptions for the proposed Capital Program of Projects, and the Financial Plan" will also be available for public inspection, in standard size print and large print, from October 13, 2009 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. through November 3, 2009, at the CTA reception desk, second floor, Chicago Transit Authority, 567 W. Lake Street.
Those unable to attend the public hearings, may also send comments and concerns addressed to: Gregory P. Longhini, Assistant Secretary of the Board,
Chicago Transit Authority, P.O. Box 7567, Chicago, Illinois 60680-7567
or via email to: glonghini@transitchicago.com.
The deadline to submit written comments is Wednesday, November 10, 2009 by 5 p.m.
Proposed service cuts include the elimination of nine X express bus routes.
Fares would increase to $3 per ride on rail and express bus routes. The full fare on all other buses via transit card, Chicago Card or cash would increase to $2.50. Transfers would continue to be 25 cents.
1 day, 3 day, 7 day and 30 day passes would increase as follows:
$8 for a 1 day pass, an increase of $2.25 (currently $5.75)
$18 for a 3 day pass, an increase of $4 (currently $14)
$30 for a 7 day pass, an increase of $7 (currently $23)
$110 for a 30 day pass, an increase of $24 (currently $86)
Reduced fares are also scheduled to increase from 85 cents to $1.25
Reduced fare transfers will decline from 15 cents to 10 cents but, the 30 day Reduced Fare Pass will increase from $35 to $40.
All proposed fare changes would take effect February 27, 2010.
-photo credit: Bill Ward, flickr
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