Chicago Hot Blog

Despite all the recent temporary bailouts, there is a pending CTA Doomsday set to take effect in Chicago on January 20, 2008. Despite promises to find a funding solution, the Illinois State Legislature has failed thus far to reach a solution. If this CTA Doomsday takes effect, the CTA will be forced to eliminate 81 bus routes, lay off 2,400 employees and raise their fares.

On Wednesday, Governor Rob Blagojevich called a special session of the Illinois State Legislature, but much of the Legislature did not show up. With the turmoil in Springfield, it is hard to imagine any type of solution before the CTA Doomsday.

The previous CTA Doomsdays have been narrowly avoided in the eleventh hour when the government has offered small chunks of money to keep the CTA floating while they attempt to cut a deal. Obviously the CTA Doomsday scenarios aren’t going to go away until a real funding solution is found.

The CTA will eliminate 81 of its 154 bus routes; lay off more than 2,400 employees; and raise fares to record levels. In addition, with more than 700 fewer buses operating due to the bus route eliminations, the CTA will close three of its eight garages. Service on the remaining routes will be provided by other locations.

Check back on Chicago Hot Blog for updates and check out the official CTA Doomsday page for all the detailed information direct from the CTA.

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