CHICAGO (WBBM) -- The CTA will increase fares Jan. 1. But many riders won't pay quite as much as first feared.
Citing a $3.6 million savings from changes made to the CTA's executive retirement plan, the board approved a revised schedule of fare increases that reduced the increases pass users will pay.
Those who pay by the ride will still see a 25 cent increase. But those who buy CTA 30 day passes will pay $86 instead of the $90 first proposed. CTA-only seven day passes will be priced at $23 instead of the $24 proposed last month, and the price of an unlimited-ride one-day pass will be $5.75 instead of the originally proposed $6.
The vote to increase fares was 6-1, with the CTA's newest board member, former Deputy Gov. Sheila Nix, casting the lone dissenting vote.
"Realizing there's tough economic times, I understand the needs sometimes to have a cushion," she said. "However, i feel like the riders and the people who are relying on the CTA are also facing very tough economic times and this is not the time to raise fares from them."
The governor's office distributed a flyer opposing the fare hike, saying in summary, "Fare increases hurt everyone."
Others were not happy. Rider and transit activist Neal Rysdahl was tossed out of the meeting after he jumped to his feet, interrupting the board, and criticizing them.
"All day we've been hearing from you fat cats about how we're going to do this," he said. "Instead of riding the bus, we're going to start biking, man!"
Despite that, other board members said they saw no alternative to the fare increase if service levels were to be maintained.
No service cuts are anticipated as part of the 2009 budget.
"There is no way, absolutely no way, without being totally irresponsible, to avoid a fare increase next year," said CTA board vice chair Susan Leonis.
"I do not relish a fare increase, but I do think that staff has acted as responsibly as they could," said CTA Chair Carole Brown.
As a result of the smaller-than-anticipated increase in pass prices, the price of the new joint CTA/Pace seven-day pass, good for use on both systems beginning Jan. 1, will be $28 instead of $29, as first anticipated. Pace is pricing the pass $5 higher than the CTA-only seven-day pass.
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11/13/2008 1:44PM
Ms.
Thanks a lot, CTA! Not only do you punish the people who most need your service, you insure lower ridership when the fares go up. I wish we could profanity here, because I would use some other language.
11/13/2008 2:14PM
arider
I thought that CTA received more funds with increased sales tax this year.
11/13/2008 3:22PM
GettingABike
Every year it's the same, the board mis-manages funds. So, they need a fare hike to compensate. No one ever asks why the board isn't replaced for their incompetence or at least given a pay cut to compensate for the holes in their budget. We suffer. Could you imagine haveing a job where you could completely fail, keep your job and even vote yourself more funds? It's pretty obvious to me what the deal downtown is. Naturally, decisions like this are made by people who've never seen the inside of a city bus. The mayor and the people should stand up to these jerks. There's got to be a way. As for me, I probably can't afford to get to work anymore. C'est la Vie.
11/13/2008 3:28PM
green city my butt
Obviously, the CTA wants me to drive.
11/13/2008 3:39PM
In my dreams
Could it be possible to organize a CTA boycott? It's clear the board is only concerned about their money. Otherwise they would not enact policys that will decrease ridership and put into question Chicago's commitment to being a "green" city. While shifting the burden to the city's poorest residents. (those least able to fight back) I've had it! they won't see another dime from me until they get their act together and start working for the people of this city, instead of their retirement accounts. I hope others join me and hit the bums the only place they feel anything. Their wallet.
11/13/2008 3:45PM
time to walk
after the last fare increase, I started walking from UIC to LaSalle St. station after work. In the a.m., I'd take the el the 2 stops because of the stuff I carry. Well, time to lighten the load and wake up a little earlier, cuz once this increase kicks,I'm walking both ways. So CTA, adios to this fare-payin' customer.
11/13/2008 3:46PM
Poor Management
The CTA continues to have pretty poor service. It comes down to faulty and poor management.
11/13/2008 3:53PM
not funny
This is why Chicago city government is a punchline all over the world.
11/13/2008 3:57PM
The CTA
As I recall the CTA personal Carol Brown told them(CTA) not to raise them fares at all but they did it anyway the CTA must be DEMISE right along with the Chicago Police Department ASAP they(CTA)was told not to do another fare increase no X you'all must go CTA...THERE are other means to getting around in the city okay like a cab bike walk save a lot of money.
11/14/2008 5:57AM
Mr Voter
How come Mr Huberman does not take the CTA or the King Mayor Daley to set an example, oh wait there is to much crime, dirty buses, loud music, gangbangers asking for a smoke or dollar, drunks, hookers and pimps....and they want me and my family to ride this...hey when Da Mayor and his fat wife ride one I'll ride the same bus, till then I'll drive.
11/14/2008 6:33AM
Can we say Corruption
If the CTA was not so a dumping ground for all of the Daley lackies we would not have to raise the fares, till they get rid of Daleys pals on the payroll we can expect more increases as the next year comes....Ahhh, the City of Corruption.
11/14/2008 8:04AM
Citing Poor Examples
The CTA cites higher energy cost and fuel prices as a large reason for this budget hole they have. While higher fuel prices did reign over the summer, the overall price of fuel is still under budget for what they planned to spend. If the numbers workedout the way they first presented them, there should actually be a slight budget surplus right now. This goes right back to the CT's employee's siphoning off funds for personal use.
12/02/2008 2:54PM
Embarrassing
I am from Chicago and for years using the CTA thought, It could be so much better than this... in so many ways. I have now lived in both Prague, Czech Republic and Barcelona, Spain. After experiencing the transportation there I am extremely embarrassed for Chicago. What a disgrace to the city of Chicago our transportation system is. I have now seen that transportation can be efficient, clean, reliable and extremely beneficial to the economy of a city. The corruption in Chicago politics has kept the transportation system from advancing along with the city. Shame on our politicians and mayor for the destruction of our transportation. Either by allowing or facilitating it's demise. And shame on the citizens of Chicago for not voting out those responsible and being involved.
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