The new budget plan announced Friday by the Chicago Transit Authority will eliminate all CTA bus service in Evanston effective Jan. 6.
The agency already planned to cut three of its six routes serving Evanston on Nov. 4. Those are Route 93 California/Dodge, Route 200 Main Shuttle and Route 205 Chicago/Golf.
The newly announced cuts will wipe out Route 97 Skokie, Route 201 Central/Ridge and Route 206 Evanston Circulator.
Purple Line and Yellow Line rapid transit service will be unaffected by the new round of cuts. But cash fares will increase from $2 at any time now to $3 at peak hours and $2.50 off-peak on Nov. 4 and $3.25 at peak hours and $2.75 off peak on Jan. 6.
Fare increases will be smaller for riders who use the Chicago Card automatic payment system.
CTA official say they still hope the state legislature will approve funding increases for the transit system that could avoid the need for the service cuts.
At this time Pace, the suburban bus service, is planning to maintain its four routes serving Evanston, although it has announced major service reductions elsewhere.
Transportation
If the CTA and/or the state legislature do not attain resolution regarding SB572, the alternative proposal as outlined will negatively impact some D65, D202 and other students.
Closing all bus routes has the potential of exacerbating current adverse socio-economic conditions in Evanston.
Some citizens will find difficulties in transporting themselves to school and work, which will add and contribute to the absence of quality living for a portion of Evanston students.