I have been a user of the CTA for more than two-and-a-half years. I do not own a car, and the CTA is always my mode of transportation. I know many other people who use the CTA as their primary or only mode of transportation.
As anyone else, I have had complaints about CTA service.
On the whole, however, I have been pleased with the CTA and very grateful that public transportation exists.
There are numerous reasons why public transportation is important. First, it cuts down on traffic in the city and suburbs. Second, it provides transportation for people who are unable or unwilling to own vehicles. Third, and perhaps most important, it is better for the environment. One of my primary reasons for moving into the city was because of the public transportation that is available.
The very thought of paying a fare of $2.50 or higher is simply preposterous. Not only is it much too high for what is predicted to be severely undercut service, but many poor people will be simply unable to pay this amount. As these people are the main users of public transportation, it is ridiculous to cut them out in such a way.
Also, this increased fare will drive away many potential users and most likely current users of public transportation, thus creating the very budget problems the CTA is trying to circumvent.
Also, cutting service would create even more problems. Buses and trains are already overcrowded, and I can attest to how late and irregular bus service is already. Cutting night service would leave people who work second and third shifts stranded at their workplaces.
We need to make service better, not worse. If service is made better, more people would be encouraged to use public transportation, and more money would come to the CTA.
It is extremely important that public transportation be adequately funded. The CTA must be supported and given the financial resources it needs. Public transportation is vital to keep the people of this fine city happy.
