More evidence came Monday that Gov. Rod Blagojevich's efforts to buy off the electorate voter by voter come at a real, significant cost. The Chicago Transit Authority announced it will eliminate 80 more jobs. Fare increases and service cuts could be on tap for next year.
Why? Several reasons. But here's a big one: Blagojevich insisted that the CTA and other state transit agencies give away their services to certain people.
Last week, Blagojevich signed a bill that requires public transit agencies to provide free rides for poor people who have disabilities. Earlier this year, he insisted on those agencies give free rides for senior citizens. (The Chicago City Council also got in the act, telling the CTA to give free rides to soldiers and disabled veterans.)
Meanwhile, Blagojevich has cut the state funding that transit agencies counted on to help pay for free and discounted transit rides. That's putting a squeeze on the people who have to provide the services the governor loves to give away.
Providing free rides will cost the CTA $34.5 million in 2009. Blagojevich just took away $32 million in annual state subsidies to the CTA intended to offset reduced fares.
The total squeeze for 2009: $66.5 million.
BTW, CTA is threatening fare hikes.
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