[il-talk] Fw: the proposed 2012 CTA budget

[Robert A Hansen]

------Original Message------
From: Robert Hansen
To: David Ross
Subject: the proposed 2012 CTA budget
Sent: Oct 19, 2011 4:20 PM

CTA President Releases 2012 Budget Recommendations 10/19/2011 Labor Reforms and Work Rule Changes Key to Preventing Increased Fares and Service Cuts
Chicago Transit Authority President Forrest Claypool today proposed a $1.24 billion budget for 2012 that holds the line on fares and maintains current service levels, relying on deep management cuts and work rule changes from labor unions.   The proposed budget is $66.2 million -- or 5.1 percent -- less than the 2011 budget.   Management initiatives will help shave $117 million from the $277 million deficit, and the proposed budget will close the remaining gap with anticipated work rule reforms, health care benefit changes and restraint in wage growth consistent with other metropolitan transit agencies.   “Since May, the CTA has launched a series of service improvements while cutting hundreds of positions and implementing management efficiencies that are saving tens of millions of dollars. The result is a lean management structure and the smallest number of employees in the CTA’s history,” Claypool said.   The new service improvements are meant to improve the rider experience and encourage new riders and revenue. To improve security, more police have been added and thousands of new surveillance cameras. To improve the convenience of customers, Bus Tracker technology has been rolled out at bus shelters to let passengers know exactly when their bus is coming. To improve the cleanliness and aesthetics of rail stations, the CTA created “Renew Crews”—SWAT teams of tradespeople to deep clean, repair, and improve more than 100 stations and subways. And hundreds of new rail cars with modern technology and passenger amenities will be arriving shortly.   “But even the most innovative service and the leanest management cannot make up for a cost structure that far exceeds the national norm—mostly driven by antiquated work rules that benefit a small number of individuals at the expense of everyone else,” Claypool said.   The CTA’s union collective bargaining agreements expire on 
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