Blagojevich pulls funds meant for mandate on seniors

Another sucker punch from Springfield has transit agencies scratching their heads.

Facing a funding crisis in January, area riders were spared fare hikes and service cuts when the General Assembly approved a sales tax increase to keep the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace afloat.

But before signing the plan, Gov. Rod Blagojevich threw a curve ball at lawmakers by adding a proviso that senior citizens must ride free. Although considered an unfunded mandate, the new policy was swallowed by the three agencies as a necessary evil that allowed the funding reprieve to happen.

But Wednesday, Blagojevich pulled the plug on $37 million that had been allocated to the Regional Transportation Authority to partially reimburse the agencies for offering reduced-fare rides to seniors, students and people with disabilities.

The cut was part of the governor's $1.4 billion budget-balancing purge during a special session of the legislature.

Regional Transportation Authority officials seemed a little flummoxed by the move, saying they were still studying its repercussions.

Metra representatives took no joy in the news.

"Unfortunately, it's another hit for us," Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet said.

And with rising fuel costs, "expenses are going up and ridership is going up," she said.

"It's several million that will have to come out of the operating budget we were just trying to build up. Now, we'll have to pay the difference."

Pace officials had a more optimistic approach given the mercurial nature of Springfield politics.

"We remain hopeful that when the legislature meets again next week that the budget impasse will be resolved," Pace spokesman Patrick Wilmot said.

Pace received about $3 million of the $37 million in the past.

The $37 million hit comes at a time when transit agencies do have an influx of cash from the sales tax increase. At the same time, the cost of giving seniors free rides, which started in March, is not fully known although the CTA has estimated it could be $20 million.

Further muddying the waters is the fact legislation allowing low-income disabled people to ride free on public transit is awaiting the governor's signature.