Free Senior Rides In Cross Hairs Again From State, RTA

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 10, 2010 5:30PM

With both the state and city budgets resembling tumbleweeds, the State Legislature is once again targeting eliminating the free rides for seniors on public transportation that former Governor Rod Blagojevich signed into law up in order to sew up the support of one of the largest and influential voting blocs in Illinois. Blagojevich signed the measure into law two years ago in exchange for a small sales tax increase on mass transit.

Since then, the Regional Transportation Authority estimates it's lost up to $116 million since the program has been in effect. The rollback measure has support from both parties in Springfield. House Speaker Mike Madigan said the he expects a return to a reduced fare for senior, with free rides given to those most in need.

Governor Quinn has promised to veto any rollback of the free rides, saying that reversing the policy would not help Illinois' $13 billion, and climbing, deficit.