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RTA Response on Restoration of Reduced Fare Funding |
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Jim Reilly, RTA Chairman, said, “We are pleased that the General Assembly has acted to restore critical funding for reduced fare programs at the CTA, Metra and Pace. Restoring the $37.3 million in state funds that had been cut from the RTA budget will help our transit agencies as we confront serious fiscal challenges. In this period of slowing revenues and rising costs, we are glad the state legislature has reaffirmed their long-standing support for programs that benefit the elderly, low-income disabled riders, active duty military personnel and students.”
Editor’s note: The full cost in lost revenue from all free or reduced fare mandates is over $80 million. $43 million in revenue loss from the pre-existing reduced (half) fare programs, an additional $30 million in revenue losses from the seniors ride free mandate, and an additional $10 million in revenue losses from the low-income disabled ride free mandate.
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