Feeling the pain
With the Illinois Tollway Authority's approved toll hike, proposed fare hikes by Metra and proposed rate hikes by Chicago for water and workweek parking, some suburban residents are feeling targeted. Here's a look at what would happen.
Tollway: Tolls will nearly double for commuters beginning Jan. 1. I-PASS users used to paying 40 cents per toll will now pay 75 cents. The increase will help pay for a $12 billion capital improvement program.
Metra: Fares would increase on average by 25 percent, varying slightly depending on distance and destination. Metra is seeking to close a $53 million deficit. If approved, fare hikes would go into effect in February.
Water: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposed budget calls for a 90 percent hike over four years. The first-year increase would take 1,000 gallons of water from $2.01 to $2.51. Fifteen percent hikes each of the next three years would raise that to $3.82 in 2015. Chicago would use the money to upgrade 100-year-old water pipelines. If approved, the rates could go into effect Jan. 1.
Downtown parking: Emanuel wants to charge $2 more to park in public garages and lots in downtown Chicago. Money generated would go toward CTA upgrades and, if approved, could go into effect Jan. 1.