Metra "On the Bi-Level" Commuter Newsletter 2017
#1
Posted 04 January 2017 - 09:23 PM
#10
Posted 29 September 2017 - 03:15 PM
View this email in your browser
Metra Monthly Commuter Newsletter October 2017
Fare hike, service trim needed for 2018
Metra is proposing a combination of fare increases and cuts in expenses – including service cuts – next year to cover a projected deficit of about $45 million in its 2018 operating budget. This deficit is the result of a cut in subsidies from Springfield (about $13 million), disappointing regional sales tax collections (about $2 million) and normal growth in operating costs (about $30 million).
We pay about half of our operating costs with your fares, and the other half with our share of proceeds from a transportation sales tax in the six-county Chicago region and a contribution from the state. The RTA had originally expected that public subsidy to total $430 million next year – about $11 million more than 2017. But the RTA has recently amended that forecast to $404 million – about $15 million less than 2017. That’s a $26 million difference.
Another fare increase is not ideal. But the fact is, our 1980s funding model is not working in today’s economy. We rely on public subsidies to cover half of our operating costs and most of our capital investment, and those subsidies are not coming in or not keeping up while our costs and capital needs continue to grow.
We can’t cut our way out of this problem. And we can’t solve it with higher fares alone – the need is simply too big. However, given our options, we believe they must play a part.
Comment on Metra's strategic plan
Metra last month unveiled a draft of its first-ever comprehensive strategic plan and invited its Board of Directors, customers, stakeholders and the public to comment before the document is finalized.
Board approves bridge project near Elgin
Metra’s Board of Directors last month approved a $21.6 million contract to replace a 136-year-old bridge over the Fox River along the Milwaukee District West Line in Elgin. Illinois Constructors Corporation of Elburn was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
New signs at
Union StationThe RTA, CTA, Metra and Amtrak unveiled new and updated interagency signage at Chicago Union Station that more easily connects travelers to transportation options and amenities around the Chicago landmark. Eighty-one new signs were installed.
Metra wraps 40-year-old locomotive
Metra has unveiled a special wrap on one of its F40PH locomotives, commemorating 40 years of continuous passenger service for the locomotive model that is the backbone of Metra’s passenger fleet. The wrap replicates the locomotive's original RTA colors. (Metra hadn't been created yet.)
Read More in the Metra Newsroom
Oct. 6
Metra Board of Directors to meet
The October meeting of the Metra Board of Directors will be held at 9 a.m. in the 13th floor board room of Metra headquarters, 547 W. Jackson. Go here to see the agenda two days before the meeting and a webcast the day of the meeting. The 2018 budget, including fare increases, will be introduced at this meeting.
Oct. 25
Metra to hold DBE workshop
Metra will hold a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification 101 workshop at 10 a.m. in the second floor training room of Metra headquarters, 547 W. Jackson. Click here for more information.
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users