Find an extra quarter for CTA next year

Everyone taking Chicago transit will pony up 25 cents more a ride in 2009.

The Chicago Transit Authority approved hikes on a variety of fares and passed a $1.3 billion budget Thursday.

The move comes in a year when the agency will receive extra dollars from a new sales tax approved by the state to avoid a mass transit doomsday.

Agency leaders said the extra charges were necessary to offset escalating costs for gas and operations, a free senior rides program and the fact the slumping economy has deflated revenues from the sales tax boost. The CTA will also eliminate about 632 positions.

Cash, Transit Card and Chicago Card fares will go up from $2 to $2.25 effective Jan. 1. Other increases include raising: One-Day passes from $5 to $5.75, Three-Day passes from $12 to $14; Seven-Day passes from $20 to $23; and 30-Day passes from $75 to $86.

The CTA's decision comes on the heels of a vote by Pace directors Wednesday to boost adult fares by 25 cents in 2009.