October 28, 2009 :: Community, Legislative

CTA 2010 Budget Update

News and Notes:

In what is already being dupped this years "doomsday", the Chicago Transit Authority released their proposed budget for 2010 on Saturday, October 10, 2009.  Presently, the CTA is operating at $300 million budget gap.  Mayor Richard M. Daley has already called the proposed budget for 2010 "very ugly" and the changes ahead are certain to affect everyone.

The CTA has noted three key areas that have contributed to their shortfall:

• A decline in funding from tax revenue
• Union contracts
• Pension obligations

To combat this problem, organization president Rich Rodriquez introduced a series of fare increases and service cuts to help balance the budget.  Below is a list of proposed changes to help balance the budget.

• Increasing the cost of single-ride rail and many express bus tickets to $3.00
• Increasing fares on standard bus routes to $2.50
• Increasing the cost of a monthly pass to $110
• Bus service is to be reduced by 18%
• Rail service is to be reduced by 9%
• 287 outdated buses will be retired
• The Archer Garage will be closed
• Staff will be subjected to mandatory furlough days
• Capital Funds will be transferred to the operating budget

Guide to Proposed 2010 Fares:

Updated Service Cuts and Details:

2010 Proposed Service Details
2010 Proposed Reductions
Complete Budget Details

These changes are scheduled to go into effect on February 7, 2010.  Continue to check the LPCC's website for more information.