Ride Free Permit Expiration Date Quickly Approaching
November 3, 2014
November 3, 2014
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is reminding riders that the expiration date of November 30 on Ride Free permits, used by qualifying seniors, is quickly approaching. If riders have not yet applied for the State of Illinois Benefit Access Program(BAP) they are encouraged to do so now in advance of the rapidly approaching expiration date.
In June, the RTA extended the expiration date of Ride Free permits for seniors to November 30. The extension allowed more time for riders to apply for the BAP program as it could take between four and six weeks for eligibility to be approved.
“We extended the renewal process to ensure every qualified rider is able to ride the transit system,” said Leanne Redden, Executive Director of the RTA. “We hope the extension has given the riders the time they needed to apply through the BAP program to ensure there are no interruptions in their service. If they have not applied yet, they should do so immediately, as time is running out.”
Approximately 24,000 seniors have yet to renew their permits. The RTA is required by law to issue these permits to individuals who have been approved by the BAP program.
If a senior has recently applied for or has received a new Senior Ride Free permit, no additional action is required at this time.
There are two ways to apply for eligibility through BAP:
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