Pace OKs service cuts if transit deal falls through

Pace officials Wednesday approved sweeping service cuts and fare hikes set for Jan. 1 unless lawmakers approve a tax hike bailout in time.

The 2008 budget calls for eliminating 66 Metra feeder routes and all regular service after 7 p.m. as well as raising regular fares from $1.50 to $2 and paratransit fares to $4.

The so-called doomsday measures, which will lead to 230 layoffs, will fill a $33 million shortfall in a $176 million budget.

"Our hope earlier this year was that it wouldn't have gotten this far," said Patrick Wilmot, Pace spokesman. "Certainly we would have preferred to see a long-term funding solution at this point."

Pace, Metra and CTA officials have been pushing lawmakers since spring to approve a sales tax hike that would prevent service cuts and fare increases at the three transportation agencies.

However, gridlock over a solution at the state Capitol has led to several temporary bailouts that continue to push back service cuts and fare hikes by a few weeks at a time.

Legislative leaders and the governor are scheduled to meet again this morning to work on funding solutions, including a measure that would bring in new state revenue from additional Chicago-area casinos.