Fare Increases Expected for Most Public Transit Riders in 2009

Most public transit riders in the city will once again experience fare increases for public transportation beginning January 1, 2009, according to the Chicago Transit Authority Board on November 13, 2008.

Under the CTA's revised 2009 budget Cash, Transit Card and Chicago Card fares will increase by $0.25 to $0.50 depending on the fare media used; a 1-Day pass would increase from $5 to $5.75; a 3-Day pass would increase from $12 to $14; a 7-Day pass would go from $20 to $23; and a 30-Day pass would increase from $75 to $86.

In addition to the fare increases, the current 2-Day and 5-Day passes will be eliminated, and the University Pass (U-Pass) fares, which are currently $0.70 per day, will increase by 15 percent for the Fall 2009 term.

However, reduced fares will remain the same as 2008 levels for people with disabilities or students.

CTA stated in a press release that day, that the projected fare and U-Pass increases, as well as the elimination of the two-and-five-day passes was due to the "economic downturn and significantly higher prices for energy, fuel and materials."

In addition to the tax revenues from the new State funding legislation which have not achieved anticipated levels, and the unanticipated free ride programs reduced projected fare revenues as well.

They added that these factors are exacerbated by the lack of a State capital program for "designated capital resources to replace aging equipment and infrastructure."