Aug 31, 2007 8:05 pm US/Central
CTA Service Cuts, Fare Hikes To Hit Mid-September
by Mike Flannery
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
There's big trouble at the state capitol Friday for a plan that would stop bus and train fares from going up by increasing the sales tax. As Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, even supporters concede they may not have the votes needed to pass it in time.
As many as 100,000 commuters may lose their rides if the CTA implements huge cutbacks its now planning for Sept. 16, not to mention cutbacks in the suburban Pace bus system.
But the only plan that's currently on the table to avert that dark day for mass transit is in big trouble in Springfield. Majority Democrats need Republican help to pass their plan, which includes a sales tax increase that Gov. Rod Blagojevich threatens to veto and GOP leaders are refusing.
"Eighty-plus per cent of the people do not ride the RTA, but yet we're gonna get this sales tax enacted upon them," said Republican Rep. Brent Hassert of Romeoville. "There's always a crisis. There's always a panic motivation. And I don't think it's not necessary yet."
"It has to pass, unless we're going to see chaos and traffic congestion such as you'd never believe," said House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie of Chicago.
In addition to the service cuts, potential price increases are coming. Cash fares that are now $2 would on Sept. 16 rise to $2.50, except for rush hour trains in the morning and the evening, which would go up to $3.
But there will be 300 fewer buses on the street come rush hour Monday morning Sept. 17, say CTA officials, if the General Assembly fails to act by then to provide new revenues for the system.
"If we don't make these cuts by September 16, we will simply not be in a position to meet payroll by the end of the year," said CTA President Ron Huberman.
While the House is scheduled to take up the sales tax proposal for transit and roads at noon next Tuesday, supporters say they may postpone consideration if it becomes clear that they do not yet have sufficient votes.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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