Chicagoist: CTA Cuts Mean Dire Consequences for Students

ajs

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:08:44 -0600

Sparky: I do know that the RTA, in general, is having problems system-wide and I do understand that some amount of state subsidy is required for the very reasons that you point out. However, we aren't just talking about subsidies for operational expenses with the CTA. The problems, with the CTA, in particular, run much deeper than that. Perhaps Daley is responsible for 4/7s of the problem, perhaps more since he has been less than proactive over the years leading up to this situation in terms of finding a better way to fund the CTA through the means of the city or in lobbying the state. I like what Ben Joravsky had to say about it in the Reader: http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/theworks/070928/ -A

sparky

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:28:45 -0600

AJS: Yes, Daley is at fault--to a point. There was gross mismanagement by Kruesi, who Daley appointed. Istead of having more oversight, he said that Kruesi was doing a great job. But, most mass transit in our country is subsidized by state funding. Look at the stats for yourself on the Dept of Transportation website. Compare some places--NYC, California, Mass., Maryland are all higher than us. Did you read the RTA audit? Doesn't sound like it. If you did, you would know that Metra and Pace are both having problems, despite better management than the CTA. Do you think only the residents of the city should pay for the mass transit that is located in it? I don't want to pay for the roads in Naperville or Champaign, but I do.

matty

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:37:05 -0600

as a 4 corner hustla folk "hoody hoo" i am in favor of massive CTA cuts.

ajs

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:11:32 -0600

"Springfield’s lack of funding" aside, the problems with the CTA aren't the governor's fault, they are Mayor Daley's fault. I don't think that the RTA system was ever intended to fully subsidize the CTA and there's still the issues of major neglect and mismanagement by those who oversee the CTA. A bail out by the state may be the only way to avoid the cuts at this point, but, please, let's blame those responsible. It's amazing that Daley has managed to avoid taking any responsibility by egging on the masses to blame the state for his mess.