CHICAGO (WLS) — As commuters wrap up their week on Friday, the latest updates on Metra’s prospects suggest potential fare hikes and reduced service unless assistance comes from Springfield.
Discussions are ongoing, as deadlines loom for the region’s transportation agencies to prepare budgets.
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On Friday, the High Speed Rail Alliance hosted an event titled “Averting the Cliff,” regarding the financial crisis facing Chicago-area transit.
“The Senate approved a promising bill in the last session; we’d like the House to pass it with a few enhancements,” stated High Speed Rail Alliance Executive Director Rick Harnish.
On Friday, the Metra Board approved a proposed $1.1 billion budget that includes fare increases next year.
This would mark the first universal fare rise at Metra since 2018, as reported by the commuter rail. Due to the need for rounding fares to the nearest quarter for onboard fare collection convenience, Metra fares are set to rise by 13% to 15%, variable by fare product and travel zones, according to Metra.
But the plan for 2027 and 2028 would include more fare increases, up to 40% in service cuts and layoffs without funding approved by the legislature.
“Time is running out for action, and we’ve all expressed this urgency, the RTA has made that abundantly clear to the legislators,” Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski emphasized.
Among the public comments Friday were Metra workers.
“Fewer trains might not instantly reduce ridership, but it will lead to overcrowding, overworked crews, and potential for mishaps,” warned Metra engineer Brandon Stewart.
The Metra Board of Directors expressed concerns regarding the financial challenges and the risks of neglecting system maintenance, especially the upkeep of old bridges.
“We’ve got to make sense of this. We lose one bridge and a whole line is out; we can’t afford that,” Metra Board Director Rodney Craig said.
The Active Transportation Alliance advocates for those who walk, bike and use mass transit.
“Transit is so vital to our region and letting not get the money it need and begin to make really drastic cuts would be terribly harmful economically and socially,” said Amy Rynell, executive director of Active Transportation Alliance.
A veto session begins next week, but officials said work is well underway to try to insure funding is approved by the legislature.
Metra on Friday also announced a new bike policy.
“To address safety concerns affiliated with large, heavy e-bikes and e-scooters, Metra will now require customers to be able to carry their bikes and scooters on and off trains by themselves and without the assistance of their device’s electric motors,” the rail service said.
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