CHICAGO (AP) — Free bus and train rides for many
Illinois seniors have ended, although low-income seniors still can ride free
with a new permit.
Regional Transportation Authority officials say
that, starting Thursday, only Circuit Ride Free and reduced-fare permits will
be accepted on CTA, Metra and Pace.
Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation in February to
limit the program. Only low-income residents 65 and older who are in the
Department on Aging's Circuit Breaker program are getting free rides. All other
seniors can ride at a reduced fare with a permit.
The RTA has added customer service staff and
extended its call center hours to handle questions from seniors.
The RTA has sent out more than 80,000 Circuit Ride
Free permits to seniors. About 336,000 reduced-fare permits have been mailed.
Copyright
2011 The Associated Press.
