[il-talk] Action allert

[CONCERNED CITIZENS OF PARATRANSIT]

PRESS RELEASE Paratransit Riders Left Out Again!Does Governor Quinn know?  Governor Quinn deserves our thanks for negotiating a transportation deal that freezes fixed route fares through 2011. However it's possible that the Governor is not aware of the paratransit rider facts and he needs to be made aware of these facts to make a sound decision that includes the interests of Chicago's most vulnerable and overlooked group of public transportation riders; people with disabilities relying on paratransit service. ·        47.6% have annual household incomes below $10,000,·        Up to 47.6% of paratransit riders survive on $675 a month (current SSI payments). Just one round trip per day in a 30 day month will eat up over 25% of SSI recipients monthly income!·        While fixed route fares are frozen through 2011, paratransit riders are quietly being subjected to an approximate 33% fare increase EFFECTIVE THIS SUNDAY, November 15, resulting in $3 single ride fares and $6 round trip fares. On top of this, Pace Suburban Bus revoked the monthly pass for paratransit riders!·        80% of Chicago paratransit riders are African-American,·        77.8 have no household vehicle, and·        58.4 are 65 years or age or older!             Don't Delay! Call or fax Governor Quinn's office now! Don't let paratransit riders get left out again! Voice:   312-814-5220      or     312-814-2121 TTY:   888-261-3336Fax:      312-814-5512     Concerned Citizens of ParatransitPHONE:  773-779-1856 FAX 773-779-2763www.CCofP.org  Standing Up for Accessible Transportation!