Illinois RTA to end free rides for most seniors

The Regional Transportation Authority has implemented changes to the three-year-long Seniors Ride Free program, effective Sept. 1. Of the nearly 440,000 seniors who qualified to receive free transit rides, only 25,000 of them are still eligible and will be given a "Circuit Ride Free" card. The remaining 415,000 seniors will receive a "Reduced Fare" card which, totals about half the fare to ride the CTA, Metra and Pace. In doing so, the RTA's revenue is estimated to increase by $30 million dollars annually. The Seniors Ride Free program was changed in February after Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation that amended the RTA Act to allow only low-income seniors to continue riding free on fixed-route services. The RTA has sent correspondence to all seniors who are currently enrolled in the program advising of the enrollment process. Public hearings will be scheduled to occur in early June throughout the region and extensive outreach and communication efforts will be made to notify seniors about the program changes.