A $730 million ‘fiscal cliff’ threatens to derail regional transit, and the public can help find solutions – Chicago Sun-Times

A commuter boards the CTA’s southbound No. 49 bus on North Western Avenue at West Belden Avenue. The region’s public transit system is beset by assorted problems these days, including crime, dependability issues and a general lack of cleanliness. Now, add one more thing to that list: a staggering $730 million-a-year budget gap that could start hitting the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace beginning in 2026, according to the Regional Transportation Authority.
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Old Joe
3 years ago

Hmm, I smell a federal transit bailout for mismanaged Dem big cities like Chicago and NY.

nixit
3 years ago

#EmptyPaceBus

Giddyap
3 years ago

TRANSIT DEATH SPIRAL: Sun-Times Wants Taxpayers, Drivers, To Bail Out Chicago’s Obsolete, Irrelevant, Transit Dinosaur Out Of Its Smoking Billion Dollar Budget Crater

Last edited 3 years ago by Giddyap
Poor Taxpayer
3 years ago

There are two solutions, pay more taxes or leave the area.
My guess is everyone will pay more and more taxes. The drivers make more money than most private sector workers. Tough Chitt, shut up and pay your taxes.

mqyl
3 years ago
Reply to  Poor Taxpayer

Yep, the IL taxpayers will talk them off that fiscal cliff. That’s what we’re here for: to bail out mismanaged public IL institutions. Since we have infinitely deep pockets, there’s little incentive to manage these institutions responsibly. Of course, mismanagement includes paying your workers more than studies would indicate an appropriate wage for the job should be.

willowglen
3 years ago
Reply to  Poor Taxpayer

To what extent is the problem caused by unpleasant environments and crime?. If these are material problems, the system will not attract riders under any subsidy or economic scheme. Just asking the question.

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