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RTA Urges Seniors To Apply Now – To Take Advantage of Free Transit Next Month |
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Applications can take 3-4 weeks to process
DATE: Feburary 14, 2008
CONTACT: Diane Palmer, Director of Communications, RTA
Office: 312-913-3282 Cell: 312-907-6902
Chicago -- The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) stressed today the need for seniors to submit their applications soon – so they’re ready to take advantage of free transit on CTA, Metra and Pace beginning March 17. Registration takes only a few minutes but requires roughly 3-4 weeks to process.
“The RTA is working hard to help get seniors signed up to take advantage of this program when it starts next month,” said Steve Schlickman, RTA Executive Director. “We have added staff, extra phone lines and are doing what we can to help get the word out.”
Some Seniors Already Set
Seniors who already have the RTA’s senior reduced fare card do not have to do anything. Those cards will work on March 17th.
For Those Who Need to Register
If a senior does not have the RTA senior reduced fare card and is within three weeks of their 65th birthday, they can sign up at the RTA’s Customer Service Center between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. (weekdays) at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago. They can also sign up at any one of the over 200 registration sites in the region. To find a site nearby, seniors can go to www.rtachicago.com/seniorsridefree or call 836-7000 from any local area code and give the operator their zip code to find the closest location.
During the registration process, applicants will be required to present government issued identification to verify their age as well as a photo (approximately passport size – 1 1/2” square) will either be taken or will need to be provided by the applicant.
Applying for the senior reduced fare card can only be done in-person and will take 3-4 weeks to process.
For Those Who Have Pre-Registered
Registration for free transit can only be done with the RTA. Those seniors who pre-registered with the State of Illinois will be sent a letter on how to register for the free transit. Pre-registration is not necessary.
How the Free Ride Will Work
For seniors to get their free ride on CTA or Pace, they will simply use their senior reduced fare card in the bus farebox or at the train station turnstile. On Metra, seniors will just show their senior reduced fare card to the on-board staff to receive their free ride.
Hi-Tech Free Transit Coming
Seniors who will be using the RTA’s senior reduced fare card to access free transit will be transitioned, in the months ahead, to a smart card (similar to the Chicago Card). The card will have their photograph on it and will allow them to board trains and buses faster.
About the Seniors Ride Free Program
Legislation passed in January by the Illinois General Assembly and signed by Governor Blagojevich allows senior citizens ages 65 and older who live in the RTA service region of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties to take free public transit rides on fixed routes beginning March 17.
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