CTA Doomsday '07: May 2007 Archives

In slightly better news for the CTA, Metra and Pace, the Mass Transit Committee of the Illinois House approved a $452 million funding proposal backed by the Regional Transportation Authority.

Illinois House Democrats passed an 11th hour budget plan last night that doesn't include extra funding for the CTA.

As you've heard about a million times by now, the CTA is threatening to make drastic service cuts this fall to balance its budget, in the absence of new state funding.

The fat lady hasn't sung yet--since the plan still has to pass the State Senate--but so far, it's not looking good.

If the Democrats can't agree on a plan by midnight tonight, the Republican minority will have a chance to weigh in, and there's no guarantee they'll be any more disposed to spending more on mass transit.

Stay tuned.

The latest round of service cuts and fare hikes proposed by the CTA to balance its budget may sound bad, but apparently, it could have been worse. CTA Chief Ron Huberman discussed the four other Doomsday plans he rejected before recommending to the CTA board that 63 bus routes and the Yellow and Purple Express lines be cut, and fares raised to as much as $3.25.

CTA President Ron Huberman detailed the CTA's contingency plan to balance its budget without new state funding.

Some highlights:
- The CTA would get rid of the Yellow Line and Purple Line express routes, 63 bus routes and about 840 employees.
- The agency would also roll out a new fare structure that would cost commuters more for traveling during rush hour.

A summary of the proposed changes is on our website.

You can also read the CTA's press release here.

Do you agree with riders who think this is a bluff, or are you frantically writing letters to your legislators, begging them to save the city's public transit?