Metra rate hikes are unacceptable

I am writing to complain about the proposed Metra rate hike and the elimination of the Link-Up subsidy. If implemented, I will incur a 46 percent increase in commuting costs, not the 25 percent that Metra is suggesting. (Metra from Zone G and monthly Link-Up pass.)

These increases equate to an extra $1,000 per year in commuting costs.

Given the current economic environment, this extraordinary, large increase is unacceptable. Many commuters are not receiving raises this year; for those who do, the rate hike will largely offset the after-tax increase they may have realized in their paychecks.

Furthermore, Metra has yet to show to commuters and taxpayers that it can operate in a fiscally responsible manner. The large amount of money spent on consultant Avery Grimes and the proposed $500,000 rider survey are just two examples that Metra is not doing everything possible to control costs.

Rather than implementing a draconian rate hike, Metra executives need to prove they are consistently making the wisest financial decisions and demonstrate an understanding that riders and taxpayers are not unlimited sources of funding.

Charles Rotblut

Vernon Hills