Transportation agency approves doomsday budget

Higher fares and less service will ring in the new year for mass transit users unless state lawmakers come to the rescue, Regional Transportation Authority leaders said today.

RTA board members approved a so-called "doomsday" budget that will require Pace, Metra and the Chicago Transit Authority to slash operations to make ends meet.

"We'll continue to work with Springfield and hope they can reverse this action," RTA board Chairman James Reilly said.

Draconian measures expected for Pace include eliminating 26 weekday routes, cutting 230 jobs and upping fares from $1.25 to $1.50. Those changes would go into effect Jan. 20 as would cuts to the CTA that involve laying off 2,400 workers, stopping 81 bus routes and raising cash fares by 38 percent to 63 percent.

Metra reductions would go into effect Feb. 1 and entail increasing tickets by 10 percent and not fill 100 positions.

Public transit agencies have warned for months they require additional funding to operate.

The General Assembly is considering several measures, including a sales tax hike, to pay for transit but the process is complicated and tied to a gambling expansion plan.

Even if a miracle happens later, the damage will be done once cuts are put into effect, Reilly said.

"When you lay off people, the best people will get new jobs," he said.

RTA officials also announced it appeared CTA drivers would not stage a job action Monday as planned. The walkout would have crippled the rush hour commute but union organizers said it was important to send the state a message.