The Chicago Transit Authority rang in the new year with a .25-cent hike in fares from $1.75 to $2 on Jan. 1 for commuters paying with cash or Transit Cards on trains and cash-paying bus passengers. Fares stayed the same for travelers using the Chicago Card or the Chicago Card Plus.
The CTA also eliminated transfers for cash-paying passengers on buses. The last fare increase, also a 25 cent hike, was in 2004.
For Evanston commuters like Dawn Gordon, fare hikes are never good news. Although Gordon has one of the Chicago Cards, she says the hike is unfair for people paying cash that have to pay multiple fares.
“I think it’s kind of ridiculous because people could pay $4 one way if you have to take the bus and the train,” Gordon said.
Passengers buy Chicago Cards online or at some stores – not at train stations. Starting in March, the cards will cost $5.
The increase in fares will help the CTA combat rising fuel costs. The CTA had proposed massive service cuts, including cutting the Purple Line Express.
“The real news for many CTA customers is that nothing will change on January 1,” CTA President Frank Kruesi said in a press release. “CTA offers a range of fare media to customers that allows them to select the best option for their budget and that meets their travel needs.”
The increased dependence on the Chicago Card and the Chicago Card Plus will also speed up the commute for travelers, according to the release.
“Reducing the amount of cash used on the system helps to speed service for customers and improves the efficiency of CTA operations, two areas where CTA is continually looking to improve,” said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Carole Brown in a press release.
The Chicago Cards are sold at Currency Exchanges, Jewel-Osco and Dominick’s Finer Food stores.
According to CTA officials, sales of the Chicago Card and the Chicago Card Plus have increased recently. People spent more than $14,400 on Chicago Cards between December 1 and 19 at Currency Exchanges alone.
Reach Lensay Abadula at [email protected].
