(The Chicago Tribune posted the following article on its website on October 15.)
CHICAGO — Metra has unveiled a 2007 budget that relies heavily on an infusion of new money from Springfield.
No fare increases are called for in the $554 million spending plan released Friday.
Metra, CTA and Pace, under the umbrella of the Regional Transportation Authority, are campaigning for legislators in Springfield to pour additional billions of dollars into public transportation next year.
Metra officials said service is being jeopardized by the continued diversion of capital funds for operating purposes.
This year, more than $68 million in capital funding for equipment, maintenance and infrastructure was diverted; next year, Metra predicts that $71 million could be diverted.
“Equipment breakdowns, slow zones and deteriorating facilities will begin to increase, and we will enter a downward spiral of diminished service and reduced ridership,” Metra Chairwoman Carole Doris said in a budget statement.
State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston), who chairs the House Mass Transit Committee, said Springfield will be receptive to the plight of the transit agencies. “I think the legislature will take a hard look at the issue,” Hamos said.