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Legislation reflecting RTA proposal to provide free rides for low income seniors, reinstate reduced fares program for all other seniors moves to Illinois Senate
CHICAGO - The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) commends the Illinois House of Representatives for their bi-partisan vote today to approve HB4654, which amends state law to allow low-income seniors, aged 65 or older, to continue to ride free on fixed route service operated by the CTA, Metra and Pace. All other seniors, regardless of income, would remain eligible for reduced fares. The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Bassi (R-Palatine). The measure was approved by a vote of 83-27 and now moves to the Illinois Senate for consideration.
"The legislation is a common-sense policy that will maintain vital services for low-income seniors while affording all other seniors with a reduced-fare option," said Jim Reilly, RTA Board Chairman. "Rep. Bassi introduced and worked hard to pass a balanced plan that will increase revenue for the transit system while protecting an important service for many in the region. Both Speaker Madigan and Republican Leader Cross have been very supportive of transit and understand the challenges facing the system."
"While we still face significant challenges, reforming the program will provide additional resources and maintain vital services for seniors," said Steve Schlickman, RTA Executive Director.
The RTA Board of Directors announced their support for means-testing reforms of the Seniors Ride Free program in October of 2009, citing the need to preserve quality service for all riders.
Under the proposal, seniors who qualify for the Illinois Department on Aging's Circuit Breaker program would be eligible to continue using the regional transit system's fixed route service for free. Last month, the Illinois General Assembly increased the Circuit Breaker program's income thresholds by up to nearly $9,000, raising the household income to $27,610 for a household of one and $34,635 for a family of two.
Currently, there are more than 402,000 seniors registered for the Seniors Ride Free program. If legislation is enacted into law, up to $37 million could be generated for the regional transit system. If the legislation is enacted into the law, the RTA will work with the transit agencies and seniors across the region to implement the system.
Legislation reflecting RTA proposal to provide free rides for low income seniors, reinstate reduced fares program for all other seniors moves to Illinois Senate
CHICAGO - The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) commends the Illinois House of Representatives for their bi-partisan vote today to approve HB4654, which amends state law to allow low-income seniors, aged 65 or older, to continue to ride free on fixed route service operated by the CTA, Metra and Pace. All other seniors, regardless of income, would remain eligible for reduced fares. The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Bassi (R-Palatine). The measure was approved by a vote of 83-27 and now moves to the Illinois Senate for consideration.
"The legislation is a common-sense policy that will maintain vital services for low-income seniors while affording all other seniors with a reduced-fare option," said Jim Reilly, RTA Board Chairman. "Rep. Bassi introduced and worked hard to pass a balanced plan that will increase revenue for the transit system while protecting an important service for many in the region. Both Speaker Madigan and Republican Leader Cross have been very supportive of transit and understand the challenges facing the system." "While we still face significant challenges, reforming the program will provide additional resources and maintain vital services for seniors," said Steve Schlickman, RTA Executive Director.
The RTA Board of Directors announced their support for means-testing reforms of the Seniors Ride Free program in October of 2009, citing the need to preserve quality service for all riders.
Under the proposal, seniors who qualify for the Illinois Department on Aging's Circuit Breaker program would be eligible to continue using the regional transit system's fixed route service for free. Last month, the Illinois General Assembly increased the Circuit Breaker program's income thresholds by up to nearly $9,000, raising the household income to $27,610 for a household of one and $34,635 for a family of two.
Currently, there are more than 402,000 seniors registered for the Seniors Ride Free program. If legislation is enacted into law, up to $30 million could be generated for the regional transit system. If the legislation is enacted into the law, the RTA will work with the transit agencies and seniors across the region to implement the system.
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