If you ride the CTA, your trip is going to be a bit pricier Monday morning. New fare hikes go into effect with some ticket costs doubling - and others increasing by nearly 75 percent.
Riders at the Jefferson Park Station on the Northwest Side had a lot to say about the hike Monday morning. Some people accepted the increase as something they have no control over and had to find a way to deal with.
Others thought the CTA could have found another way to generate revenue and balance its budget, since people who use public transportation are trying to save money in the first place. They also thought the CTA could have done a better job letting riders know the fare hike would be taking effect Monday, so they could have bought their passes at the cheaper rate.
The hike is expected to generate $56 million a year for the debt-ridden transit system, which is facing a budget shortfall of $227 million.
The CTA said this is their first fare hike on Chicago trains since 2009.
Single-ride passes are the only ones staying the same, at $2.25 cents. Passes for unlimited rides now cost $10 each. A three-day pass costs $20. Commuters pay $28 for a one week pass, and $100 for a one-month pass.
Monday's fare hikes may be tough to digest, but there is some good news. Student will only have to pay $0.75 to ride the CTA during school hours.
The new discounted price also applies to younger children, aged 7 through 11 years old.
Riders will need the new student reduced transit cards to get the price break.
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Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
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