CTA told to shape up, forget fare hike

By Virginia Groark
Tribune staff reporter
Published October 28, 2005


Commended for not threatening service cuts next year, Chicago Transit Authority officials also were criticized Thursday for not fixing basic problems like broken light bulbs in subway stations before seeking a 25-cent cash fare increase for 2006.

The comments were made during a public hearing on the agency's proposed 2006 operating budget at the CTA's new headquarters on Lake Street.

The proposed $1 billion operating budget calls for increasing cash fares to $2 and eliminating cash transfers, starting in January. The increase would not affect people using unlimited ride passes or a Chicago Card.

Several in the audience, which was smaller than last year's, when CTA officials threatened massive service cuts to fix the agency's fiscal problems, questioned the fare increase proposal.

The CTA needs to improve service--whether it's better communication with passengers or putting larger buses on crowded routes--before charging cash-paying riders more, they said.

"Before you get more money, spend the money you have more wisely," said Kevin Black, 43, of Wrigleyville.

Others expressed concern that low-income riders will be hit the hardest by the proposed fare hike.

"They should not be raising fares," said Adele Barksdale, 52, who lives on the Southwest Side. "Many people cannot afford to get around as it is."

But CTA officials said the proposal would not increase the price of passes, like a one-day pass that offers unlimited rides for $5. In addition, the CTA is proposing waiving the $5 fee for the Chicago Card and the Chicago Card Plus from Dec. 1 to April 1.

CTA President Frank Kruesi cited skyrocketing fuel costs when he announced the proposed fare increase earlier this month.

CTA officials hope the proposed fare increase will encourage more people to use the Chicago Cards, which save the CTA money in processing costs and speed up boarding.

CTA last increased fares in 2004, when fares jumped to $1.75 from $1.50.

The CTA board is slated to vote on the budget next month.

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vgroark (at) tribune.com