Due to insufficient state funding, the CTA will be forced to raise fares and cut back services on Jan. 20, 2008.
CTA plans to discontinue 81 of its 154 bus routes; lay off more than 2,400 employees; and increase fares by about 35%. Also, due to the service cutbacks, 700 fewer buses will be in operation, and the CTA will close three of its eight garages. Service on the remaining routes will be provided by other locations.
Under the new proposed fares, cash due for buses and trains will be $2.75. The transit cards allow for a 50-cent reduction on buses, making it $2.25 to ride with a card. No such reduction will be seen on trains. Those with Chicago Cards will pay $2.25 for buses and trains. There will also be an increase to ride trains during peak hours. Trains will be $3.25 for cash and transit card riders, and $2.50 for Chicago Card users.
Bus routes near NEIU being eliminated include: 50, X54, 56, 56A, 78, X80, 85A, 88, 91, 92, 93. For more detailed information about the cutbacks and fare changes, go to www.transitchicago.com