As someone who relies heavily on public transportation (CTA buses and trains) to get around the city for social and professional reasons, I was happy to read that, earlier today, "the CTA's top officials...accepted a $24 million funding advance proposed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to avert fare increases and service cuts." Had the CTA not come up with these funds today, my routes would not have been affected, but I'm sure many of you would have found yourself scrambling for a new route and digging in your couch cushions for some loose change. Sure, it's only short term funding well below the expected $110 million needed to cover the CTA's budget deficit, but any little bit helps at this point. The CTA is a dilapidated system far behind NYC's MTA system and Washington D.C.'s Metro, and desperately needs state funding to support its mission statement -- to deliver quality, affordable transit services that link people, jobs and communities. Many would be forced to call on cabs, drive their own automobiles (if possible), or turn Chicago's streets into a moped race. Why is it that the state's Metra commuter rail can run so efficiently with relatively affordable prices? Why do most Chicagoans have to pay at least two dollars to stand among the masses with an armpit inches from their nostrils and a heavily breathing, intoxicated homeless person leaning all over their belongings? I feel the state of Illinois needs to come up with the funds to help their residents travel and also help avoid the inconvenience of more traffic crowding our streets. Buses and trains are an aid to the environment, helping thousands of people each day commute to work, to school, and to home. Do your part and ask your representatives to help make Chicago!
Quote above taken from: (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ctameet_websep13,1,2335363.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout
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