Topinka rips gov for cutting RTA budget
'WHAT WAS HE THINKING?' | $37M slash leaves agency in a 'very bad state'
The governor's decision to cut $37.3 million from the RTA's budget leaves the RTA in a "very bad state" at a time when high gas prices are driving more people onto buses and trains, according to RTA director and former gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka.
"There's more clamor for transportation, and that's the time you pull the plug on it?" said Topinka. "What was he thinking?" she added, echoing a campaign slogan Gov. Blagojevich used against her to devastating effect in the 2006 campaign.
The cut affects the RTA's reduced-fare program, which costs the RTA about $44 million annually. The free rides for seniors program could increase that cost by as much as $30 million. The $37.3 million state grant was to help pay for the total loss in revenue.
The free rides program, which took effect March 17, was inserted by Blagojevich as a last-minute change to the RTA bailout bill.
It has been popular.
Before March 17, 237,000 seniors had reduced fare permits. But now, 410,000 seniors have free-ride permits, RTA officials said.
The CTA said Wednesday seniors riding free are a big factor in its "exploding" passenger load -- which has caused the agency to weigh such measures as "seatless" L cars for rush-hour crowds.
Blagojevich spokeswoman Kelley Quinn said the governor had not wanted to make any cuts, but had to deal with a $2 billion deficit.
It's possible the Legislature could reverse the RTA budget cut in November, said RTA Chairman Jim Reilly.
Reilly said the RTA will not work to undo the free rides. The governor also supports a bill to allow free rides for low-income disabled riders, which could cost the RTA another $10 million.