RTA Commends House Mass Transit Committee Vote to Means Test Seniors Ride Free Program

Legislation aligns with the RTA’s position to support free rides for low income seniors, resume reduced fares for other seniors

CHICAGO – The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) commends the Illinois House Mass Transit Committee 19-4 bi-partisan vote today to approve HB4654, which amends the RTA Act 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. The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Bassi (R-Palatine).  All other seniors would continue riding at a reduced fare.

“This legislation is a very well-balanced solution to reform the Seniors Ride Free program that will maintain free rides for low-income seniors and half fare rides for all other seniors,” said Jim Reilly, RTA Board Chairman.  “The RTA is grateful to Rep. Bassi and the Illinois House Mass Transit Committee, and we hope the bill advances in the legislative process and is enacted into law.”

“This change would help manage long-term program costs and contribute to our future financial stability,” said Steve Schlickman, RTA Executive Director.

Under the new legislation, 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 Circuit Breaker program increased its household 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 this bill becomes law, it could generate up to $37 million for the transit system. The change would take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.