November 9, 2005

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Transit Authority board on Wednesday is expected to approve a proposal to increase cash fares to $2 and eliminate cash transfers in 2006, transit officials said Tuesday.

CTA President Frank Kruesi proposed the cash-fare increase to help balance the agency's 2006 budget without cutting service. The fare hike would not affect people who use unlimited-ride passes or a Chicago Card or Chicago Card Plus. He also suggested waiving the $5 fee for Chicago Cards from Dec. 1 to April 1, 2006.

The board also is expected to consider whether it should raise the fare for its downtown rush shuttle to $2 from $1, sources said. CTA Chairwoman Carole Brown said last week that she has received comments from people who believe that fare should jump to $2, which was not part of Kruesi's propsal.