CTA Gets Quick Fix for Budget Woes SPRINGFIELD, IL (wqub) - The Chicago's area's mass transit systems managed to stave off service cuts, fare increases and employee layoffs that were set to begin today. But now lawmakers are on the hook to find a permanent solution to the Chicago Transit Authority and Pace bus systems' financial problems. As Amanda Vinicky reports ... there are widespread opinions about what the solution should include.

Everyone involved seems to agree ... the Chicago area's public transportation system is in a serious need of cash. But in regards how much cash is needed, and where it will come from ... there's no consensus. Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson of Greenville says the systems must also cut down on expenses ... perhaps by eliminating under-used bus and train routes.

Watson also told the heads of the transit authorities that he also believes riders should have to pay a modest increase in fares.

"I think you need to be a part of the solution. It can't just be more, more, more, more money. And you're asking for a great deal of it."

While some suburban legislators agree with Watson ... many of those who represent Chicago say raising prices will discourage riders. They say the poor can't afford higher fares. They also say if the state gives mass transit millions of dollars ... there should be no need to hike fares.

I'm Amanda Vinicky.

Some legislators want to pay for the Chicago transit bailout by raising the sales tax in Cook and the collar counties. Others advocate giving mass transit systems the money drivers in the Chicago region pay in gasoline taxes.

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