Transfer Taxes Bailout CTA

The Chicago Tribune reported today that a City Council vote passed to increase the city real estate transfer tax by $3.00/1000 to bailout the Chicago Transit Authority. That brings the transfer tax to a jaw dropping $10.50/1000. That is a 1.05% tax to sell your house in the city. This comes after the Illinois General Assembly already approved at .25% increase in sales taxes for Chicago and Suburbs for same purpose. OUCH!!!

What is wrong with asking people who use the service to pay more for their tickets? A trip from Elmhurst to Chicago on the Metra/Union Pacific West only costs $3.80 one way...why not $4.25? The monthly rate is $102.60...why not a $120.00? It is still a great deal vs. driving and the cost of gas.

Why do tax payers have to carry these services when the CTA could increase ticket prices for those using the services?