CHICAGO (WLS) — A big budget gap is looming for the CTA, Metra and Pace.
The imminent $771 million financial challenge is impacting numerous individuals who depend on public transportation in the Chicago region, specifically commuters using Metra, Pace, and CTA services.
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The Regional Transportation Authority or RTA will meet just hours from now to talk about possible doomsday scenarios if funding is cut.
RTA officials say at least four of eight CTA trains would be reduced or eliminated next year and bus service would also be affected.
RELATED: Major service cuts on Metra, CTA, Pace possible if $771M budget shortfall not solved: RTA
Metra and Pace are also looking at deep cuts.
Metra officials say riders would be looking at a 40 percent service reduction, eliminating early morning and late evening trains.
Meanwhile, Pace says all suburban weekend buses would be cut.
A CTA rider ABC7 spoke with says his ability to get to work…is fully dependent on public transit.
“Throughout my life, I have never possessed a vehicle,” remarked Coi Stopek. “My daily commute to work relies solely on CTA services, and I am taken aback by the lack of government intervention in securing additional funding. To me, it represents a crucial public service.”
RELATED: CTA workers, members of ATU Local 308, canvassing stations to raise awareness of fiscal cliff
Public transit workers are also looking at sweeping layoffs if funding doesn’t come through.
The RTA is calling on the state legislature to approve funding by the end of this legislative session.
The budget cycle ends on May 31 so lawmakers have ten weeks to fill the massive budget gap.
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