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On Nov. 12, the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) board approved a $1.27 billion 2010 budget that includes job cuts and service reductions, but no fare increases. The budget is about $1 million less than the projected 2009 operating budget.

The agency previously proposed raising the base fare 33 percent from $2.25 to $3. However, the Regional Transportation Authority will issue bonds to avoid fare hikes in 2010 and 2011.

The budget calls for eliminating more than 1,100 jobs and requiring non-union employees to take up to 18 unpaid days and forego wage increases. CTA officials have asked union leaders to consider similar actions to help reduce costs. In addition, 100 non-union positions will be eliminated next year.

The budget also calls for reducing rail service by 9 percent and bus service by 18 percent, beginning on Feb. 7, 2010. All rail and bus routes will be maintained except for nine express routes that have a matching local route, CTA officials said in a prepared statement. In addition, service will be provided less frequently on 110 routes and service spans will be adjusted for 41 bus routes.

“We will continue to look for the most efficient operating methods and call upon the resourcefulness of staff to help reduce costs and increase revenue,” said CTA President Richard Rodriguez.