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Last week, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) approved a fare increase, and numerous service and job cuts to help offset a projected $55 million fiscal-year 2006 budget deficit.

Beginning July 17, the authority plans to reduce weekday and Saturday service on most routes to match current Sunday service levels, increase headways about 68 percent and eliminate 2,000 jobs. CTA also will raise the base fare for cash-paying customers and transit card users from $1.75 to $2. Pass prices will remain the same.

Last fall, the authority proposed cutting service 20 percent in January. CTA deferred the cuts until July so the general assembly could review the transit funding issue. CTA officials still hope the assembly will increase regional transit funding during the spring session.