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Jan 8, 2008 1:57 pm US/Central

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Blagojevich Asks Public To Speak Out On CTA

State Impasse Will Result In 'Doomsday' If Not Resolved By Jan. 20

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Gov. Rod Blagojevich is calling on the public to express their concerns about the state crisis that has jeopardized funding for the CTA.

Kiosks opened Tuesday morning outside the Clark and Lake 'L' stop at the Thompson Center, where CTA customers can fill comment cards or record video messages to lawmakers online.

Blagojevich also gave a few outspoken CTA riders a chance to voice their concerns on Monday during a news conference. One rider, Carol Mardis, said the proposed CTA cuts would be devastating to people with disabilities.

"I represent about a million people with disabilities in Chicago and the surrounding area who would be devastated by the loss of para-transit and fixed route paratransit and fixed route transportation," Mardis said.

If the state does not approve new funding by Jan. 20, the CTA plans to cut 81 of its 154 bus routes, raise fares to as much as $3.25 and lay off more than 2,400 workers.

The CTA plans to cut 81 of its 154 bus routes, raise fares to as much as $3.25 and lay off more than 2,400 workers if the deadline passes without action in Springfield.

Blagojevich ordered the state General Assembly into a special session last Wednesday to resolve the issue, but almost no one attended and the sessions in the House and Senate were adjourned within minutes.

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