Sound off on new fare structure today at CTA board meeting
Today we get our chance to tell the CTA board what we think about its new cash fare changes. The CTA boards meets at 4 pm today at CTA headquarters, 567 W. Lake.
There has been lots of spirited discussion here about the cash-paying commuters having to cough up an extra quarter, while those who use the Chicago Card or Card Plus will see no fare increase. If you have strong feelings one way or another on this issue, let the board know TODAY. Or email your comments.
Do we get to tell them EVERYTHING that's on our mind?! I didn't prepare for this...I need to write down my thoughts in small simple words so they can understand (ops...sorry, that was a big word) :)
Posted by: cmama | October 27, 2005 at 10:11 AM
Anyone that brings up the debunked 'poor people can't save $20' refrain is simply trying to exploit this platform to further some broader agenda.
I hope people will give input that is actually helpful instead of spinning their wheels droning on about social justice when it's not relevant in this particular instance...
Posted by: jk1 | October 27, 2005 at 11:29 AM
It seems likely that the CTA's costs of collecting money from Chicago Card / Card Plus users are much lower than from farecard users. Handling large volumes of coins and low denomination currency, and maintaining those vending machines, certainly requires a large infrastructure of its own (and one that presents lots of opportunities for employee fraud, which have in the past been exploited.
That said, the proposal smacks of unfairness in some way. I add that I use the CC Plus.
Posted by: MH | October 27, 2005 at 02:21 PM
I don't understand the big deal. Why can't people just get a Chicago Card. The CTA was offering it for free and its really no different than buying regular fare cards at the machine. It would be great if they totally eliminated cash payment on the bus. It would make boarding so much faster.
Posted by: toby | October 28, 2005 at 09:23 PM
As someone who works in a social service agency, the fare increase proposed would greatly impact us in a negative way. We regularly supply indigent clients with transit cards (on a temporary basis) to transport them to work, appointments, school, etc. To suddenly be faced with having to give a client 2-$2.00 fare cards each way to get to a destination instead of 1-$1.75 fare card plus $.25 for a transfer proposes a great hardship. Our budget only allots a certain amount of money for transportation. Once its gone, its gone. This means that we will only be able to serve half of the people who seek assistance. Many times the help we are able to provide is the determining factor of whether or not they are able to pull themselves up out of poverty.
Posted by: Lydarose | October 31, 2005 at 06:52 AM