Have a say in Metra's budget and strategic plan!

On November 7, Riders for Better Transit attended the Metra hearing on the proposed 2013 budget and strategic plan. We were there to call attention to the fare increases that Metra leaves on the table in next year’s budget. While it's good to see fare increases not part of the immediate plan, it's still a cause for concern that riders might be asked to take yet another hit on transit fares in the near future.

In our comments at the hearing we reminded Metra that last year’s fare increase of 25 percent was very tough for riders. Every fare increase makes our daily lives more difficult as we try to get to work and school, visit our families and get around the region.

Every year it seems transit riders in the Chicago region get less transit service for their money. Service cuts and fare increases have become a regular tradition, making it more difficult and more expensive to get around. We know this because last year when we attended the budget meetings we said the same exact thing.

Please add your voice to ours and target the people who really have the power to make a change. Here are two ways you can help:

1. Complete the survey about Metra’s strategic plan and submit comments to 2013budgetcomments@metrarr.com about Metra’s budget to remind the agency to put riders first.
2. Send our action alert to your elected officials and let them know enough is enough with fare increases and service cuts.