No change in ride costs next year, Metra says

Metra leaders promised no fare increases in 2011 as they delved into next year's budget forecast Monday.

But to stay in the black, officials project it will be necessary to transfer about $25 million in capital dollars to the operating budget, which will be earmarked for maintenance.

The operating budget for 2011 could come in around $630 million, while the capital budget could range from a basic $171.5 million to $407 million, depending on state funding.

Whether the state, which is facing massive deficits, will pony up remains in doubt. The lack of funding from Springfield is jeopardizing federal dollars for projects that require a state match, Metra's finance staff said.

That means capital priorities will be focused on maintaining locomotives and cars, train tracks, stations and the infrastructure that's required to keep the system running, Metra administrators said. While the agency is meeting mandated federal standards, it's not keeping up with needs such as rebuilding aging locomotives and train cars. Some of Metra's fleet dates back to the late 1930s.

"There's never enough money, and we always have a backlog," acting Metra Director Bill Tupper said.

Metra Director Ed Paesel suggested the agency explore taking out loans to catch up with outstanding capital needs given low interest rates and the relatively inexpensive cost of construction. He asked the staff to come up with a feasibility plan.

Director James LaBelle also recommended that when bridges are rebuilt, the staff consider installing three tracks. This could solve issues of delays and inconvenience occurring now because of a massive repair project involving 22 bridges along the Union Pacific North Line, LaBelle said.

The last time Metra instituted an across-the-board fare hike was in 2008. This February, the agency raised the cost of weekend passes, buying tickets on trains and one-way fares.

The agency would continue to hold back on filling vacancies and look into combining jobs and reducing overtime in 2011, Tupper said.

Metra directors are expected to continue budget talks at their October meeting.