The Chicago Transit Authority has postponed releasing budget proposals due to negotiations with rail and bus workers. The CTA says that the talks began this morning and are progressing, and that they want to stay at the table. The unions say that they are optimistic that they will reach an agreement. The two sides are negotiating over work rule changes and other cuts that would make a fare increase unnecessary. If the negotiations are unsuccessful, the parties will begin arbitration.
See "CTA abruptly postpones budget as union talks continue", Tina Sfondeles and Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun Times, November 15, 2012