Pace fares will go up a quarter in January
Pace riders will pay an extra 25 cents at the fare box in January following a Wednesday vote.
Pace officials said they recognized it's not a popular move given the economic climate and the fact a sales tax increase to aid public transit was instituted this year.
But higher diesel costs, growing operating expenses, flat revenues from the new sales tax and cuts in state funding made the move necessary, Pace Chairman Richard Kwasneski said.
"We're trying to maintain and expand services," he said. "This budget allows us to do that. Costs continue to rise, and we're already behind the 8 ball from the past."
The Jan. 1 change means adults will pay $1.75 instead of $1.50 on fixed routes. Adult fares on feeder service to Metra stations plus people using Local Fare Zones in Joliet, Aurora, Elgin and Waukegan will see a boost of 50 cents bringing rates to $1.75. Most Vanpool charges will go up by 10 percent.
Pace's last fixed route increase was in 2001.
Elmhurst Mayor Tom Marcucci said that years ago when discussions of fare hikes came up, public reaction was in favor of increases to prevent service cuts. That tone has changed judging from comments at public hearings, he said.
"There's a different message now," Marcucci said. "It's tough times."
Pace directors also approved a $204.6 million operating budget for 2009, which includes $7.5 million for new programs and expanded service across the region. Pace planners did not provide specifics on future improvements but said they would be taking suggestions from local communities.
The agency's capital budget is $43.3 million, most of which will be spent on replacing older buses.
Pace also announced it will stop accepting Chicago Transit Authority 7-Day passes, CTA Visitor/Fun passes and the CTA's U-Pass on Jan. 1, stemming from a dispute over collecting revenues.
Instead, the two agencies will offer a joint Pace/CTA 7-Day pass that will cost $29 with $4.29 going to Pace. The pass allows unlimited use during the seven days on both systems.
Pace drivers will continue to accept CTA/Pace 30-Day passes, Chicago Card, Chicago Card Plus and CTA stored value cards.