No fare increases in proposed 2014 Pace budget for Bus & Paratransit services

Associated Press. / October 16, 2013

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (AP) -- Officials with the Pace Suburban Bus system say they don't expect fares to increase next year. But riders could see other changes.

The Pace Board of Directors released its proposed 2014 budget on Tuesday.

Richard Kwasneski is board chairman. He says the agency is in good financial shape so the spending plan doesn't call for fare hikes.

But the agency is considering eliminating "transfer cards" for passengers who pay cash. It also could get rid of 10-Ride Plus tickets.

The proposed changes are part of a switch to a new Ventra card system by Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority.

Ventra card users would still be able to transfer for 25 cents or for free in some areas.

Pace has scheduled a series of public hearings on the proposals.