[il-talk] Daily Herald public comments

[CONCERNED CITIZENS OF PARATRANSIT]

paycheck2paycheck :: Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:08 AM
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I am sorry that some feel that paying a fair price for public transit fares is unjust, but I have a artificial leg, and other medical conditions. I go to
work, I shop, go to the doctor, family, friends, church and take a bus and a train, wait outside in the weather for my public transit. I do not have someone
pick me up at my door all the time, and I do qualify for paratransit which I use in the winter when there is alot of snow. I have 4 relatives that use
paratransit alot, and though there were problems last year with service, I have been told, and I know service is better with Pace then CTA. There were
no rides by 8 am, busy signals, if the phone was answered you had a long wait with CTA, dirty vehicles, old vehicles, and you could not get CTA to acknowledge
any problems. I believe there is a need for rider input for all public transit service, but I would feel more compassion if service was terrible, the $3
a ride for paratransit is justified with a cost of $39 per ride. I support myself and no I do not make alot of money, just have pride in who I am, and
do not expect special treatment, because I am a Person with a Disability.

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he resident :: Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:35 AM
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"The budget shouldn't be balanced on the backs of the riders" That's about as selfish as it gets.

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nc6 :: Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:49 AM
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Let's get real. The program has always been a financial disaster. Freezing the fares will only increase the deficit.

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tradertob :: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:44 AM
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How about we just charge market prices for the actual cost of services and let those who can pay the market rate use the services? No, wait, I have a better
idea, let's let the government get involved, create a system of mandates and subsidies and then complain when we still don't get what we think is fair.
That sounds much more like the American way today. Can someone do a study on how much it would cost to use a taxi for some of these rides? It has to be
cheaper than $39.

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kld :: Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:51 AM
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Ms. Pittman;

I feel it's unacceptable too that you and every other special interest group seems to think I have an infinite supply of money in my wallet to subsidize
the rest of the world. I'm sick of the all whining from everybody that thinks government owes them a handout.

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billy banks :: Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:42 AM
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Paycheck2,

Well said. The world needs more people like you.

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Saluki Dawg :: Sat Nov 21, 2009 2:05 PM
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This never ending protesting and governing based upon subjective need is disgusting and is destined to turn this country into a second rate socialist wasteland.

Like the heroes in Atlas Shrugged, I will work less starting in 2011 (when 10 forms of punitive taxes take effect) and make less money on purpose to avoid
being punished by this worthless government of looters.

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tradertob :: Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:59 AM
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Are there any non-Socialist colonies that productive, sensible and self-reliant Americans move to in order to escape this descent?

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SAL2 :: Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:48 AM
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I am happy for all the nondisabled people who are able to use fixed route transportation and now have a two year fare freeze. I would not have wanted to
see their fares go any higher than 2.25 during these economic times, nor do I hold them accountable for the financial drain that the CTA has imposed on
taxpayers over many years.

Similarly, disabled riders are not responsible for the waste of public funds that Pace has demonstrated since taking over Chicago paratransit. Giving themselves
exorbitant raises during a recession is just one example. Implementing an inefficient vehicle routing system that takes wastes gas, labor, and riders time
is another. Installing a costly camera system that is not required under the ADA and is of no benefit to the riders is another...the list goes on.

Disabled people deserve the same break that nondisabled riders got. Instead, Quinn buddied up with Pace and imposed the very fare that nondisabled riders
can't afford on disabled people who are even less able to afford 3 dollar fares. So go for it Concerned Citizens of Paratransit-protest this unreasonable
decision and turn it around. And thank you for representing us when no one else has stepped up.