Chicago Transit Riders Asked to Lobby Legislature

The Chicago Sun-Times reports:

CTA officials Sunday warned again of looming layoffs, service cuts and fare hikes if a state funding package is not approved.

CTA President Ron Huberman and other officials urged riders to contact Illinois lawmakers to push for the bailout at a news conference at the agency's Kedzie Garage.

Last Tuesday, the Illinois House rejected a $534 million CTA bailout. Democrats largely backed it, but Republicans were lukewarm.

Without additional state money, belt-tightening will start next Sunday, Huberman said. Plans include eliminating 39 routes, as well as raising cash fares to $2.50 from $2 on buses and to $3 on trains at peak hours. An estimated 600 employees could be laid off, Huberman said.

"These cuts and fare increases will hurt everyone -- our riders, motorists and our employees -- 600 of whom are losing their jobs," CTA Chairwoman Carole Brown said. "Without action from Springfield . . . this agency will be forced to continue to plan even deeper and broader cuts for next year.''

Great moments in public transportation.