Released Tuesday, October 11

Contact:
Ethan Spotts
Mobile 312.919.1423
Office 312.427.3325 x 287
ethan@activetrans.org

Riders for Better Transit to Testify at Transit Agency Board Meetings on Fare Increases and Service Cuts

In coming weeks, the CTA and Metra are expected to propose their 2012 budgets, which will likely include fare increases and/or service cuts.

Unfortunately, the threat of fare increases and service cuts have become an annual tradition in our region because our elected leaders have failed to adequately fund transit.

The consequences of service cuts and fare increases would be far-reaching, impacting our mobility, our economy, our quality of life, our environment and the congestion on our streets.

In short, it would make everyday activities more difficult for a wide range of people—from a child trying to get to school, a worker getting to his or her job and a grandmother trying to visit her grandchildren.

Representatives from the Riders for Better Transit initiative at the Active Transportation Alliance will be giving public comments regarding transit budgets at the following upcoming transit agency board meetings:

Chicago Transit Authority
Thur., Oct. 13, 1:30 p.m.
567 W. Lake St., Second Floor, Boardroom, Chicago, Ill.

Metra
Fri., Oct. 14, 9 a.m.
547 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Ill.

RTA
Thur., Oct. 20, 9:30 a.m.
175 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1650, Chicago, Ill.

Riders for Better Transit representatives will be available for interviews following the board meetings. Visit www.activetrans.org/RidersForBetterTransit for more information.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance is North America’s largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by nearly 7,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 40 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

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