(The following story by Richard Wronski appeared on the Chicago Tribune website on October 12.)
CHICAGO — Metra riders could face a 20 percent fare hike — double what had been previously predicted — and service reductions on some lines in February, officials warned today.
Without additional funding from Springfield, the commuter rail line will be forced to adopt a 2008 budget next month with these actions as well as others, officials said.
There is “no doubt” there will be fare increases of 10 to 20 percent, Executive Director Phil Pagano said Friday. Pagano had previously warned of fare hikes of about only 10 percent.
Metra’s board of directors will consider a menu of options at a special meeting Oct. 24.
Its last fare increase was 5 percent in February 2006.
Metra riders might also see weekend service cut back, or reductions on low-ridership lines or on ones where passengers have the best option to take a different line, officials said.
Friday’s warnings are the most specific ones yet coming from Metra as a result of budget deficits facing the region’s three transit agencies.
Metra, the CTA and Pace had been counting on the General Assembly to fill a $226 million shortfall in their 2007 budgets, but lawmakers and Gov. Rod Blagojevich have been unable to reach agreement on a mass transit funding solution.
The CTA and Pace have outlined fare hikes and service cuts that may go into effect as soon as Nov. 4.
Metra has gotten by so far by diverting its capital funds into operating needs, a total of $60 million in 2007.