* I’m not sure how “surprising” this CTA contract deal was since word has been going around about it for a couple of weeks or so. I had some of the details in the Capitol Fax a while back. But, anyway, the Sun-Times editorial today was otherwise on the mark…
On Wednesday, after the CTA announced a surprising deal with all 17 of its labor unions that calls for key changes in pension and health care contributions, the governor gave the agency credit for “showing it is serious about improving service and efficiency.” But then he showed he was not serious about helping, leaning on his tired refrain about “closing corporate loopholes” to provide money to the agency.
That’s just not going to cut it. The governor needs to see the light and give the region the power to solve its own crisis. The CTA needs a reliable, permanent funding boost — and so do Metra and Pace, which are also suffering. It also needs to raise fares, because riders should also contribute to the solution.
And Mayor Daley, who was quick to call on Springfield to follow through after the CTA announced its union deal, needs to show a little commitment of his own by boosting the city’s ridiculously low contribution to the agency. We’re all in this together. It’s time to step up.
That last point about Daley is spot on. The city’s contribution to the CTA is indeed “ridiculously low.”
* And while this idea would normally be fine by me, the timing couldn’t have been worse…
Active-duty military personnel may get a bigger break on transit fares in the Chicago area, if the RTA has its way.
The Regional Transportation Authority passed a resolution Thursday asking the CTA and Pace to consider offering discounts to those on active duty. […]
It’s up to the CTA and Pace to decide whether they’ll follow suit. The timing isn’t ideal, considering budget problems.
But Pace spokeswoman Judi Kulm said, “It’s definitely something we’d consider.” The CTA had a similar response.
Judy Baar Topinka proposed the discount. Like I said, great idea, bad timing.