Chicago Weekend Fun!

Everyone in Chicago that uses the CTA has been aware that they have proposed a fare hike for riders starting on September 16, 2007. They are proposing a lot of fixing and modernization of the train lines and buses. (much like the Brown Line Renovations going on now) I can say from first hand experience that the elevated trains and subways need some fixing. The cars have a lot of issues with door sensors going off and not recognizing that they are closed, and the train can’t move until the door sensors say all the doors are closed. I have sat for a half hour some days watching them open and close the doors on the train at a random stop because the sensors say one is open. They have to walk through the whole train checking them all personally beore they can continue driving the train. This holds up all the passengers for 15-30 minutes plus all the trains behind it on the Green Line. And so much for keeping a schedule. 

Governor Rod Blagojevich and the State of Illinois could pass a bill to give the CTA the money for this modernization and overhaul but it has not been approved as of today September 4th. If it is granted, the extra revenue for these CTA projects may come from a sales tax increase. Cook County already pays a very high rate of 9% sales tax. I am not sure which is worse, a afre hike or another .5% on everything I buy? In that case, maybe the fare hike is the better way to go because its about $15 dollars more a month for a 30 day pass v.s. more than that on the other things that I buy and need for every day life. Everyone is facing the same hike, so people who are low income, would be looking at the same financial choices. 

Most of the stations are aging somewhat but a larger concern is that on the Blue Line there are a lot of stops that don’t have any handicapped wheelchair access. They have stairs only, no ramps or elevators are built for these stations, so people in wheelchairs just can’t use them.  With the Olympics possibly being voted and approved for Chicago in 2016, we will need these renovations anyway, so we will either pay for it now or later.

Buses on the other hand seem to work better, although they pollute a lot more. (ever breathed behind a bus? it’s like eating a cigarette) They also seem to keep to a schedule at least part of the time. The el doesn’t seem to adhere to any schedule I have seen. The other issue I have seen with the trains is the way they take corners. They almost tip the train over when they take corners on the track so fast on the Brown Line. A few years ago an Orange Line train actually fell off the tracks on a corner, but apparently everyone has forgotten about this since then because they start and stop these trains with such a jolt that if you are standing at all you will be knocked over. Why not just slow down a bit and take it easy? The CTA would be safer for everyone.

This is the letter I got from them by email today:

Dear Valued Chicago Card Plus Customer:

Due to insufficient state funding, the Chicago Transit Authority Board recently approved a contingency plan which includes changes to CTA service and fares. Without additional funding, this contingency plan will take effect on September 16, 2007. Customers who pay with cash or Transit Cards and use the CTA weekdays will pay higher fares at rail stations and on buses (depending on the time of day they ride). Fares will also increase for customers who use Chicago Card® and Chicago Card Plus®. Visit TransitChicago.com to learn more about CTA’s 2007 fare changes.

Under this plan, beginning September 16, the fare for Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus customers will increase from $1.75 to $2.00 per ride, and 25¢ for a transfer (which allows two additional rides within two hours of issuance), regardless of the time of day. However, the bonus structure currently in place will remain, providing a $2 bonus for every $20 of Pay-Per-Use value added to an account. The cost of a 30-day unlimited Chicago Card Plus card will also increase from $75.00 to $84.00.

If the fare change goes into effect on September 16, the new $2.00 fare will be deducted from your Pay-Per-Use Chicago Card Plus account. Those who use the Chicago Card Plus 30-day unlimited ride pass, and whose reload occurs on or after September 16, will be charged the new rate of $84.00 on their accounts.

So unless the Governor approves the new funding we will all be facing more costs for basic public transportation in the city. As if high gas prices weren’t taxing enough!  I end up paying for parking, gas, insurand AND the CTA. And everything keeps going up every year. I guess the only solution is to live and work at locations close to each other so you don’t have to take any form of transportation very far.

Update: The Governor has not approved the funds needed to stave off the CTA fare increase and they will go up on Sunday September 16, 2007 as planned. Rush hour fares will be more expensive. If you have flex time, now might be the time to take advantage of it and adjust your work schedule to an earlier or later arrival and departure to avoid the highest fares.

Update 2: Last night 9/10/2007 the Green Line I was on couldn’t even get the doors to close or open. The one door was open about 3 inches the whole time, and the train goes up to 75 mph at times. I think this shows real time that these trains need maintenance more than ever. See picture of the doors on the left.  

Update 3: The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the CTA has accepted a 24 Million dollar funding advance from 2008 funding from Governor Blagojevich on 9/12/2007. This keeps rates at the same level now and all the service routes running that would have been cut, but only temporarily. This covers things until November 4th, 2007. A more permanent decision will have to be made about funding from the state of Illinois or prices and fares will go up and 39 routes will be cut as originally planned.

Update 4: I got this email below from the CTA about trying to get the funds from the State of Illinois by the new November Deadline.

Dear Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus Users:I am writing to inform you that the fare and service changes scheduled for September 16th have been postponed. This means that the cost of your passes and fares will not increase on Sunday, and any routes scheduled for elimination will continue to operate.However, the temporary loan of $24 million provided by the State postpones these changes for less than two months. On November 4th, if the Illinois General Assembly has not acted, we will be forced to increase fares and reduce service.

The bottom-line is we need a comprehensive plan to fund mass transit.

I know that you are frustrated about the potential service cuts and fare changes. So are we. That is why we are again asking you to join with us and tell our State leaders: “No More Doomsdays. Fix Mass Transit.”

Please visit transitchicago.com, or call 1-888-YOUR-CTA, for information on how to contact your state legislators. Please make your voices heard as we fight to preserve and improve the mass transit system Chicago needs and deserves.

Thank you again for your support. We are committed to improving your experience on the CTA.

Sincerely,

Ron Huberman