Contingency plans

By now, many of you probably have heard about CTA President Ron Huberman’s proposed contingency administrative cuts, service reductions and fare increases. More info can be found at the bottom of this page. These comply with the RTA’s directive that CTA submit a contingency plan to balance our budget deficit of $110 million without additional state funding. The timing of his proposal is not insignificant—he waited as long as he could before proposing them to allow for (1) appropriate planning to take place at CTA should the changes need to be implemented, (2) enough time for riders to offer feedback at our public hearings, (3) and enough time for the Board to consider all suggestions when it votes in June on a plan to submit to the RTA.

In addition to service and fare changes, I am pleased that Ron is recommending cutting $5.6 million in administrative costs in addition to the $12.5 million he cut earlier this month.

I know none of this is welcome news, but please know that Ron and I have been down in Springfield frequently over the last few weeks—and we will continue to go down so long as they’re in session—working with our state elected officials towards finding a way to shore up our funding and avoid these changes. Mayor Daley was with us on our trip last week, and many other transit advocates have joined us in helping make sure that our elected officials understand how important transit is to the region.

I encourage you to provide feedback here and to let the Board know what other suggestions you have as we prepare to submit our contingency plan to the RTA. Everything you submit will be compiled and given to each Board member for their review.

I remain optimistic that we can avoid all of these changes.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Tuesday, June 5, 6:30 p.m.
Sherman Park Fieldhouse
1301 W. 52nd Street
Chicago, IL

Wednesday, June 6, 6:30 p.m.
Michelle’s Ballroom
2800 W. Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL

Monday, June 11, 6:30 p.m.
University of Illinois at Chicago
Student Center East
750 S. Halsted, Room 302
Chicago, IL

Wednesday, June 13, 9:00 a.m.
CTA Headquarters
567 W. Lake, Chicago, IL

In addition, you can submit public comment to the Board by email at ctaboard@transitchicago.com or writing to the following address: Chicago Transit Authority, P.O. Box 7567, Chicago, IL 60680, Attention: Gregory Longhini, Assistant Secretary, Chicago Transit Board. All written comments are due by June 11, 2007 so we can be sure we see everything before we make finalize our contingency plans.