Latest news with #servicecuts
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Residents make their voices heard amid proposed PRT cuts, "We need funding."
Citizens make their voices heard on last day of PRT public comment Citizens make their voices heard on last day of PRT public comment Citizens make their voices heard on last day of PRT public comment The third and final day of public hearings is underway regarding proposed service cuts by Pittsburgh Regional Transit. The public comment period ends next week -- before PRT's board makes a decision on its budget. It wasn't a packed house Thursday morning, but the transit supporters there are fervent ones. Linda Warman brought some company. It's a makeshift bus with significance, like the "53l" on the back. "It's to prove a point, basically," she said. That line could see a lot of service reductions. PRT faces a $100 million deficit for the next fiscal year. "We're on fumes – we're running on fumes," Warman said. The cuts would include nearly a third of PRT's service. "If they cut the buses, most of the time I'll be walking – and that will be putting my health at risk," Warman said. Fares would also go up by 25 cents to $3.00. That would make them the 5th highest in the country. "I'm just hoping something good comes out of all of this," Greene said. People here told KDKA-TV that having transit in their lives allows them some sort of freedom. "Work, shopping, just everything because I don't own a car," Greene said. Those abilities are now ones they want to protect. "No more Band-Aids, no more year-by-year crisis – we need funding," Warman said. There's gonna be a second session here too Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. People will still be able to mail and use the internet, and phone to share their thoughts until June 18th at 5 p.m.
CBS News
05-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
With mass transit funding deal still up in the air in Springfield, CTA, Metra and Pace begin planning for possible cuts
CTA, Metra, and Pace officials are preparing "doomsday budgets" after Illinois state lawmakers didn't address the Chicago area mass transit system's massive budget shortfall during the spring legislative session. With federal COVID-19 funding expiring at the end of the year, the transit agencies are facing a $770 million dollar shortfall in 2026. Without new funding from the state, the agencies have warned of service cuts of up to 40%. The Illinois Senate passed legislation that would impose a $1.50 tax on deliveries like Amazon, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, a 10% tax on rideshare trips, and add a new tax to charge electric vehicles to fund mass transit, but the Illinois House didn't take it up before adjourning their spring session. Illinois state Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) said that's due to how late in the last day of session the Senate passed the bill, but he said there's time to get a deal done this year. "CTA, Metra, Pace – they approve their budgets at the end of the year in December. They have not a July fiscal date like we do here in the state, but they have a January fiscal date. We've spent the last year or so talking about structural changes and governance reforms, and we've got that part right. And so, now, we can spend the next couple of weeks and months figuring out how we deal with the revenue piece. So when we come back to Springfield, whenever that may be, we'll be ready to go," Buckner said. While lawmakers could return to Springfield this summer or during their fall veto session to address mass transit funding, any laws passed after the end of May will need a three-fifths majority in both chambers to take effect before June 2026, making it more of a challenge to get the necessary votes to approve any potential deal.
CBS News
06-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Clock counting down to secure state funding before drastic service cuts to CTA, Metra, Pace
A warning has been issued to anyone who takes public transportation in Chicago — with drastic service cuts looming, Illinois legislators only have until the end of the month to decide what to do and how to address it. Transit advocates are taking to the streets every week to warn riders. They say the cuts are as bad as transit agencies say they are, and they are not empty threats. The advocates also say time is running out. "There is a crisis we're facing," said Kyle Lucas of Better Streets Chicago. "It is as bad as they are saying." The crisis iso a fiscal cliff in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The "they" Lucas referenced is the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace suburban buses. If Illinois legislators fail to shore up $770 million by the end of the month, the way people navigate the Chicago area will change drastically, Lucas warned. "Entire bus lines and train lines will be cut," Lucas said. "It'll mean people will wait longer for trains." CBS News Chicago is told the CTA would be forced to close 50 'L,' stations and would lose more than 70 miles of rail service. It would also eliminate more than half its bus routes, and reduce bus frequency by 25%. The CTA has not yet said anything about which specific 'L' and bus lines and 'L' stops would be affected under this scenario. Meanwhile, Metra would suffer a 40% reduction in service, and Pace is threatening to eliminate all service after 8 p.m. and all weekend rides. This possible crisis has been lurking in the headlines for months. What is new now, however, is that there are only a few weeks left to address it. Amy Rynell of the Active Transportation Alliance and Dany Robles of the Illinois Environmental Council are both in Springfield working with legislators now. "I think what we're feeling is the urgency behind it," Robles said. "What other states give to their regional transit? It's a lot more," added Rynell. With weeks left to get legislators on board, the RTA is running a massive ad campaign called, "Save Transit Now." The campaign warns that the RTA will face "40% service cuts that will make rides overcrowded." The ads cost between $500,000 and $750,000. CBS News Chicago asked RTA chairman Kirk Dillard if the ad is really worth it. "It is definitely worth it," Dillard said. "Six thousand letters have been sent to state legislators, and it's our duty to make sure the public, our riders, and those who don't even use mass transit know that this crisis would impact their pocketbooks — as well as their lungs and lifestyle." The CTA did not participate in the RTA campaign, but Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen issued a statement emphasizing that the CTA is working with legislators for a solution. "I feel strongly that Chicago-area public transit must be responsive to the needs of our riders. As CTA's leader, I've directed the implementation of new measures that directly address their needs and concerns, including our new Frequent Bus Network and our ongoing anti-smoking missions in coordination with the Chicago Police Department, which have been informed by customer feedback via CTA's chatbot. This work is especially critical at this time, when legislators are making impactful decisions about investing in CTA for years to come. I am fully engaged with Springfield lawmakers and having productive discussions with them as they consider our agency's financial future. I am also committed to significant, meaningful outreach — to the public, to our employees, and to transit advocates — which ensures our system is designed to deliver reliable and safe transportation for the region." Dillard said he is confident the RTA will be successful in securing funding. But if they're not, and nothing is accomplished in Springfield by the end of the Spring Session — which is the end of May — changes in service and cuts will begin at the start of 2026.
