1 Doomsday averted, another one coming
Saved by a last minute infusion of federal funds, to the tune of $27 million, transit in the Chicago region will continue as usual through the end of 2007, though, as transit-riders at a CTA board public hearing Monday evening made clear, “as usual” is not as good as it should be.
Moreover, the extra funds will run out on January 20th. The CTA board met yesterday and voted to eliminate 81 of their 154 routes, lay off more than 2,000 workers, and raise fares if further funds do not appear before then.
Currently, legislators are working to find a funding source for transit that will raise capital for other infrastructure projects, along with the governor and the mayor. Legislators have so far been unwilling to support SB 572, a comprehensive funding and reform bill proposed by Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) that would secure the future of Northeastern Illionois’ transit network.