Could transit fare hikes follow budget impasse?
Transit leaders say route cuts or fare hikes could be coming if Illinois sends their agencies less money in the next year.
Lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner are deadlocked over how to make a state budget, and leaders of suburban transit systems spoke before the Illinois House today as the impasse drags on.
Metra and Pace leaders say an ongoing state shutdown that started today might affect their operations. And they said a cut in state money could lead to fare hikes.
"We've asked our customers to help us, to step up to the plate," Metra CEO Don Orseno said. "If we continue to raise fares, we will see ridership loss."
Pace Executive Director T.J. Ross said the bus service will have problems paying for its mandatory paratransit services for disabled riders.
He said Pace will have to consider a $2-per-ride fare increase if the state doesn't eventually come through with about an $8 million payment in the next year.
The length of the impasse could make a difference, they said.
"The longer they defer it, the more money we have to make up," Ross said.
In the meantime, service will continue, the transit leaders said.