CTA Tattler

Some glimmers of hope for state CTA funding

I really was bummed Friday after learning the state Legislature had passed a budget without any CTA funding. But now I see there is still yet some hope, though not a strong likelihood.

On Friday, State Rep. Julie Hamos introduced Amendment No. 3 (pdf) to the Comprehensive Transit Legislation - Reform and Funding SB 572. Highlights include:

Revenue:
Increased operating funds to address the current financial crisis and provide stable funding for the future:

• 1/4 of 1% sales tax increase to be imposed by RTA in 6 northeastern IL counties ($280 million)
• Up to 3/10 of 1% real estate transfer tax (RETT) to be imposed by Chicago Mayor and City Council ($100 million)
• Continuation of state funding toward paratransit services for disabled riders computed as an additional 5% match on all revenues, effective in FY08 ($54 million already in introduced budget)
• 25% traditional state-funded match on new revenues (phased in: -0- in FY08, 12½% in FY09, 25% by FY10)

Expenditures:

• Closing the operating funding shortfalls for mainline service at Metra, Pace and CTA: Metra and Pace to receive 52% of new sales tax revenue generated in the region (respectively split 39% and 13%); CTA to receive 48%
• CTA to receive all Chicago-imposed RETT for pension and retiree healthcare costs
  Funding for $100 million ADA-mandated paratransit services for seniors and disabled provided by Pace
• Funding for new $20 million Suburban Commuter Mobility Fund flexible services provided by Pace
• Funding for new $10 million RTA Transit Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE) Fund
• Metra to receive new authorization for $1 billion of revenue bonds, as approved by the RTA Board

County Transportation Assistance:

• In 5 collar counties: additional 1/4 of 1% sales tax increase, imposed by RTA, to be used at each county's discretion for local road and other transportation projects ($120 million)

So that's some hope. The bad news is that at this time, it may not have enough votes to override the promised veto of Guv Rod, reports Sick Transit Chicago.

So it's another wait and see game here. And the Trib reports CTA President Ron Huberman "is actually relieved the legislature did not provide the $100 million the agency desperately needs to balance this year's operating budget." He prefers the long-term solution that Hamos is suggesting here.

And why not. It beats coming back every year hat-in-hand to a fractured, dysfunctional state Legislature.