Oct 9, 2008 10:36 pm US/Central
How Will The CTA Fare Hike Affect Commuters?
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Our ailing economy has helped tens of thousands of commuters rediscover mass transportation as an affordable option. But now, when times look the toughest, the cost of a ride in Chicago could be going up. The CTA is proposing a 25-cent hike in basic fares. CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports on what exactly that means for you.
Higher fuel costs, free fares for seniors and a drop in real estate taxes earmarked for the CTA are causing the problem. This would be the first across the board fare hike in 10 years. Twenty-five cents might not sound like much, but the CTA plans to raise fares by as much as 50 cents for el passengers who use the multiple-ride Chicago Card. The silver lining here: at least no service cuts are planned.
CTA ridership is up nearly 25 percent the last year to almost 525 million trips, but financial troubles are just around the bend.
"Today is not doomsday," said CTA President Ron Huberman. "It's a tough budget year."
The CTA is coping with a $42 million budget shortfall. Almost as soon as its proposed 25-cent fare hike was announced, some riders began to lament.
"I think that's lousy, the service is lousy," said Linda Abate, Oak Lawn.
But instead of just letting them sound off, we thought we'd add up the impact for you starting with Regina Renaud of Bridgeport. She pays cash for a daily bus and train at $2.25 a trip. Her yearly cost of $1,170 would rise by $130.
"I can't stand it, the time I spend getting to work, I shouldn't have to spend more money," Renaud said. "If they are not giving me anything back and I don't feel like they are giving us anything back with travel times or anything."
Geoff Watts of Oak Park takes the el - using a Chicago Card for a discounted $1.75 a ride. His yearly cost is $910. With Chicago Card changes of 50 cents for el commuters, Geoff would see a hike of $260 - a rise he's willing to accept.
"The rise in fares is understandable with the price of energy these days," Watts said. "I am not surprised they are looking at that seriously."
"Right off the bat, I'd be willing to pay 25 cents, it's easy to get to and from work for me," said Clayton McLaughlin, Wrigleyville.
The CTA would also reduce costs by eliminating some 600 jobs. You'll be able to comment on the proposal at a public hearing at CTA headquarters on October 29th.
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