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An affirmative defense for a big fare hike by the Chicago Transit Authority is offered by its President--Richard Rodriguez. But, Three bucks?
CTA Chief Richard Rodriguez Defends Fare Hike
suntimes.com - 5 weeks ago - 267 views
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People: Daley | Darrell Jefferson | Lincoln Park | Richard Rodriguez | Robert Kelly | Samantha Jones | Stephanie Ong
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Not to make this personal, but two questions.
1) Does Richard Rodriguez use the CTA to commute on a daily basis?
2) How much does Mr. Richard Rodriquez make from his CTA salary?
Dunno the answer to the first question, but bow before my Google Fu for the answer to #2:
"Rodriguez's salary will be $198,000."
Hi spudart,
President Rodriguez said he does not typically use the CTA to get to work. He said he usually drives so he can spend more time with his kids.
He said he tends to take the train on weekdays to business meetings and the bus on weekends as he hangs out with his kids.
Hope that helps,
Tracy
The expert arrives.
Glad to see he does eat his own dog food at least a bit.
Pelham 123 illustrated the logistical challenge of addressing a major crisis while confined to a mass transit commute.
While you may enjoy the company, President Rodriguez should be able to accomplish much more with his time sans the mass transit commutes.
"Blame it on the economy, said CTA President Richard Rodriguez. A 30 percent downturn in sales and real estate taxes has contributed to a $300 million gap. 'This economy is taking its toll on everyone,' he said."
Does this mean that when the economy improves fares will go down? Why do I completely lack confidence that this will happen?
Ha ha. There's no way that's happening. I think someone else said earlier today that "the economy" and "the recession" are providing great boogey men for bureaucrats looking to make up for past financial misadventures.
Surely the CTA's budget shortfall has nothing to do with mismanagement or rider dissatisfaction. The cause is "the recession."
Pffft.
...and the priorities are inverted: when people need low fares (now) they are high and when they can afford high fares (when employment is high) they are low. This is going to be hardship for minimum wage people - do the math. "Not to make it personal" but if Rodriguez would lose the fancy facial hair he could also have more quality time with the kids. Does he live in the city?
Agree, Disaffected, free market economists prefer to avoid increasing taxes & fees during recessionary recovery.
Consumers & businesses need to direct resources to getting the economic engine running smoothly again. CTA fare hikes simply defuse & disengage the economic engine of commerce.
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