November 03, 2009
The Civic Federation supports the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) proposed FY2010 budget of $1.29 billion. Facing significant public funding short falls, CTA plans to close its $300.9 million deficit with fare increases ranging from 25 to 75 cents per ride, the elimination of 1,021 full-time equivalent positions, reductions in bus and rail service and the transfer of capital funds into general operating funds. The Federation finds that the transfer of capital funds into operating funds and the cost of providing free rides to senior citizens under the Seniors Ride Free program pose serious long-term challenges that CTA will have to address in order to ensure the fiscal sustainability of its capital and operating funds.