Reports: Blagojevich to bailout CTA

Governor Blagojevich may announce partial bailout for CTA
WLS By Michelle Gallardo

September 12, 2007 - Governor Rod Blagojevich may soon have a plan to avert the CTA's looming fare hikes and service cuts.

Sources say the governor is expected to announce a short-term bailout for the transit agency possibly today or tomorrow. The move will buy the CTA some time while state lawmakers work out a permanent solution.

The last-minute action is welcome news to riders who have been preparing for the worst.

"I would approve any relief at this point. It is pretty desperate times," said Daryl Wynn, CTA Rider.

"Short term is better than nothing, but long term would be optimal. It would be nice if they could figure out a way to make this happen so that we don't face this every so often," said Barbara Watson, CTA Rider.

Without the bailout, the CTA's doomsday plan would go in effect at 12:01 a.m. this Sunday. Fares will rise by as much as a dollar. Seven-hundred transit workers will be laid off and 39 bus routes eliminated.
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