Seniors Ride Free No More

By aaroncynic in News on Jan 11, 2011 2:00PM

On Sunday, the Illinois House voted 95-15 to limit the Seniors Ride Free program to only low income seniors and those with disabilities. Under the revised program, only seniors who qualify for the Illinois Circuit Breaker program may ride public transit gratis. Seniors who have free ride passes currently would be able to use them until their expiration.

According to Illinois Statehouse News, State Representative Roger Eddy (R ) said the RTA could save anywhere between $37 million and $90 million under the revised plan. Seniors who do not qualify under the Circuit Breaker program will still ride public transit for half price. Last night, the Illinois Senate joined their House counterparts in voting to end the program.

The bill now awaits Gov. Quinn's signature.