Plan in the works to prevent transit cuts, fare hikes?

A last-minute solution to the latest transit budget crisis could occur today, the same day Pace officials are scheduled to vote on bus route cuts and paratransit fare hikes.

An official with Gov. Pat Quinn's office would not confirm or deny an announcement was expected involving the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace.

But "we have been in discussions and are hopeful for a good outcome," Quinn spokeswoman Marlena Jentz said Tuesday.

Quinn's senior staff met with the Regional Transportation Authority and three transit agencies last week to try to resolve budget shortfalls but emerged without a decision.

Sluggish sales tax revenues, the main source of funding for public transit, have put the CTA, Metra and Pace in a tight spot.

The CTA is expected to vote on fare increases and service cuts this week and is planning layoffs.

Metra also is considering raising rates on weekend passes, one-way fares and penalties for buying tickets on trains.

Pace is looking at cuts or reductions to 51 bus routes, which prompted an outcry during public hearings from riders. A proposal to up fares for paratransit, the service for disabled riders, has also drawn criticism.

It had appeared state lawmakers were going to revise the seniors-ride-free policy so only low-income people could take advantage of that program, generating about $37 million extra for the agencies. But the plan fell apart during the fall veto session last month.