Chicago Transit Authority proposes fare hike

October 6, 2005 (WLS) -- The Chicago Transit Authority's 2006 budget calls for a fare increase for bus and train passengers who use cash. CTA officials said they need to raise fares 25-cents to help bridge a budget gap.

If the hike is approved, it would be the second fare hike in a year. The price went up by a quarter last January. CTA President Frank Kruesi says until the funding structure changes, the Chicago Transit Authority will continue to face budget shortfalls.

The CTA wants to increase cash only fares from 1.75 per ride to $2. In addition, under the proposed budget, riders who pay cash will no longer be able to buy transfers...

"I think outrageous not care," said one rider.

"It doesn't bother me at all," said another rider.

"(It's) just like gas going up and up. Everything going up, but the cost of living is going up," said a commuter.

The cost of gas is one of the reasons the CTA said it has to raise fares. Fuel used to take up about 1 and half percent of the CTA's annual budget, but officials said it's now more than four-percent.

"We anticipate that this increase will generate 17 million offset spiking fuel prices," said Frank Kruesi, CTA president.

While cash fares are going up, CTA President Frank Kruesi says next years budget recommendations aren't nearly as bad as last year's doomsday budget. Kruesi is proposing no service cuts and fares will stay the same for a 1-day pass, all visitor passes and full-fare 7 and 30 day passes. Also, fares will no go up for riders who buy Chicago Cards.

"We propose keeping fares the same for customers who use the Chicago Card option as they speed boarding," said Kruesi.

Chicago Cards electronically debit the riders' accounts at the fare box. Kruesi is hoping that his proposals will not change. Next year, he is once again counting on support from Springfield and the Regional Transportation Authority.

"CTA.'s challenges are real and continue, but I am very encouraged that the regional support and cooperation we have experienced in the last year will continue and grow," said Kruesi.

There is some good news for paratransit riders. Because service will be transferred to PACE, Kruesi is recommending that the previously planned increase to double fares be canceled.

A public hearing on the budget will be held October 27th.

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