Transit agencies fear possible cuts from budget impasse
Transit agencies are nervous as the collateral damage from a feud between Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrat leaders involves cuts to Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority.
Rauner last week announced a series of reductions to state agencies, explaining they were necessary to narrow a shortfall in the budget approved by the Democrats. The changes would be effective July 1.
The governor's actions include suspending a state payment to Pace for paratransit and a Regional Transportation Authority subsidy for reduced fares.
That means Pace could lose $8.5 million for paratransit, the service for riders with disabilities.
Pace officials hope a budget deal will be reached that "maintains adequate funding for this important program for tens of thousands of people with disabilities," spokesman Patrick Wilmot said Monday.
Suspension of the reduced fare subsidy would amount to between $17.5 million and $25 million, RTA spokeswoman Susan Massel said. Reduced fares are offered to riders age 65 or older and people with disabilities.
"We are troubled by the governor's decision to suspend state payments used to fund these mandated programs," Massel said, adding the agency would work with lawmakers to keep the revenues intact.
Rauner also reduced Amtrak funding from $42 million to $26 million.
Rauner, a Republican, has been at loggerheads with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton over the budget and his proposed reform agenda.
The transit cuts would be enacted if no deal is reached, he said.