Quinn To Transit: No Fare Hikes In Exchange For State Aid

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Oct 29, 2009 9:40PM

Today Gov. Quinn called on the CTA and Metra to not raise fares in exchange for state aid. Meanwhile, with just a little over 24 hours left in the fall session, state legislators are considering a bill that would cut back on those free senior rides that Blago forced the CTA to institute. The new bill would set a threshold that only those seniors who earn below a yearly income of $22,218 would qualify for free rides. As the Trib points out, though, Quinn didn't say if he would refuse to sign this new legislation should the CTA and Metra raise fares anyway.

"We need a commitment, not only from CTA, but Metra and Pace that they are going to have a moratorium on any fare increases for the next year or two," Quinn said. "I think it's important to make that clear. I think the people of northeastern Illinois need to be able to get to work and get to school and get to where they need to go without having to pay more."

Earlier this month, the CTA outlined its 2010 budget which included fare hikes across the board as well as service cuts. Metra, meanwhile, has also said they'll be raising fares starting next year.