Free Rides for Seniors

Gov. Blago figured out how to break the gridlock on the transportation bill for Chicago's RTA, and he has just solved the problem for the elderly, homeless person. All that person has to do now to board the nearest bus, and he's home! Free rides for the elderly? What else could a senior want when it's 4 degrees outside and the wind blowing?

The gov used his amendatory veto, which must be some backdoor type of sleight-of-hand that will bankrupt local area transit. All the seniors will head for the bus stops (and train stations?) and, once they are able to negotiate the boarding process and weave down the aisle to a seat, they can spend the day riding all over Chicago.

Mike Tryon got it right, when he said there is good news and bad news. The good news for McHenry County seniors ride free; the bad news is there is nothing to ride.

Will the gov's order cover Metra? Can seniors ride to/from Chicago without paying? Can seniors ride the PACE buses without paying?

Dial-a-Ride is not covered, nor is paratransit transportation.

What is "local area transportation"?

Combine the gov's decision on free rides for seniors, his proposed free health insurance for families of four earning up to $83,000, and $5800 daily State aircraft rides for him to and from Springfield, how soon will Illinois run out of money and become a vast wasteland? An empty "hole" between Indiana and Missouri and Iowa?

There is no such thing as "free." Somebody else pays for what is free for someone else.