Battle lines drawn over paratransit
Metra directors dug in their heels Friday, rejecting the diversion of federal capital dollars to pay for a paratransit budget crisis.
Paratransit, a pickup ride service for people with disabilities operated by Pace, will run out of money in October.
To temporarily fix a $20 million shortfall, Regional Transportation Authority Chairman Jim Reilly had proposed diverting $8 million in federal capital money intended for the CTA, Pace and Metra. The remaining hole would have been plugged by a minimal fare increase for paratransit users and by Pace giving up $9 million in capital funds.
But the RTA board rejected that idea in an 8-7 vote last month, reflecting opposition from the Chicago Transit Authority and Metra to losing money intended for new equipment and fixing infrastructure.
"Metra supports ADA paratransit and Metra complies with all accessibility requirements," Chairman Carole Doris said. But "diverting federal capital funds sets a dangerous precedent."
Because of the slumping economy, sales tax revenues used to fund transit in the region are down significantly - by about $60 million for Metra, its budget staff said Friday.
Metra Director and Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder said one level of government can't expect another level of government to bail it out. "It's a slippery slope," she said.
Metra Director Jack Schaffer added, "We live and die on capital. It means more to us than anyone else. What causes equipment failures is not enough money spent on capital. We have to be tenacious when it comes to raiding capital money."
The CTA is also standing tough on possible losses of its capital funding - leaving an impasse expected to take center stage at an RTA meeting next week.
Pace operates paratransit for both Chicago and the suburbs in addition to its bus service. Pace leaders have pushed back against the prospect of allocating any suburban bus funds to paratransit. They have warned a worst-case scenario could involve doubling fares, although that would not cover the shortfall.
Meanwhile, paratransit riders are fighting any fare increases and protested at the RTA headquarters Wednesday.