RTA Accepts Transit Rescue

RTA Accepts Transit Rescue
CHICAGO (WBBM/AP) - Commuters in the Chicago area can relax - at least for now.WBBM's John Cody reports that the RTA board accepted Governor Blagojevich's proposal to make cash advances to CTA and Pace to delay 'doomsday' plans that were set to take effect Sunday.During a morning meeting, the Regional Transportation Authority voted 10-2 to accept the state's bailout plan of the mass transit system.
Blagojevich will now advance $24 million to the CTA from an RTA subsidy fund used to underwrite the costs of providing rides to seniors, students and people with disability. He offered to advance Pace $54 million in state funds designated for paratransit service.
The offers contain no new money. RTA board members say the pressure is now on lawmakers to come up with a long-term solution. Legislators are expect to consider a plan as early as next week that would raise sales taxes in the Chicago area to shore up transit funding.
CTA contingency plans currently call for elimination of 39 bus routes effective Sunday, an increase in the base cash fare to $2.50, with a $3 rush hour "L" fare, the layoffs of 700 employees and deferral of heavy overhauls needed to keep aging buses and rapid transit cars from breaking down.