Chicago is quickly working its way to becoming the most expensive city to live in, and 2012 has only drilled that thought into residents’ minds as they watch fares skyrocket across Chicagoland. With a budget deficit that is only growing, the city has gone to desperate measures to fill the gap by closing mental hospitals, cutting school funding, and now the ancient transit system is forced to find ways to make improvements and continue operation. In addition, Chicago’s water system is in dire need of updates and to make that happen, price hikes have begun.
Here are four ways Chicagoans are paying in 2012:
Metra raises fare prices
Need time to prepare for the price hike? Too bad, the fare raise is set to take place February 1, 2012. Frustrating passengers is a 25-percent increase to make up for a $53 million gap in the budget that includes structural improvements. The tracks are old and in need of serious repair. Within Chicago, one-way fares will now cost you $3, up 50 cents. Ten-ride bundles are up $7, and monthly passes increased over $20. For the mid-range suburbs, ticket prices climbed even more. One-way passes are up $.75, 10-ride bundles will cost $10 more, and monthly passes increased by over $30. Although the prices have jumped significantly, at least fares are still slightly cheaper than gas!
CTA-Metra Link-up pass fare hike
Although the indebted Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), which runs the cities busses and “El” trains, said they would not raise fares in 2012, they have raised the CTA/Metra Link-up pass. It was bound to increase since the Metra fare increases, but still a nuisance to passengers. The pass will go up $6 to $45/month.
Chicago Toll-ways double fares
Chicago’s two toll-ways, the Jane Addams and Tristate, increased their fares January 1, 2012. The fares have doubled for travelers, creating less excitement about taking the toll-ways. The price hike is supposedly in place to make improvements to the roads, decrease congestion, and complete the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway, which will become a toll road. On the bright side, this project will span many years and create much-needed jobs in a stale economy.
Rising cost of water
How many of you are concerned or even look at your water bill? It may seem like the least of your bills, but after multiple increases over the next few years, you will be looking at a 70-percent increase. This year, your water bill will jump 25 percent and 15 percent the following years.
Although the city needs much repair, residents’ wallets are going to need some fixing as well. Instead of waiting for a well-deserved raise to fill your own gap, make sure you add these increases to your own budget.