RTA Ride-Free program to change

The RTA's Seniors Ride Free program is about to change. It will still be free "for some", but not free for all. Some thought the program was ill-conceived by former Gov. Blagojevich, because it provided a potential benefit for all seniors, regardless of need or income. The practical benefit (and cost) was probably small, because how many well-to-do seniors are ever going to use public transportation?

How is the plan changing? If you are a senior citizen (age 65) and receive Circuit Breaker benefits, you won't see or feel any change. You'll still ride "free" on RTA, Metra and Pace (not free on Dial-a-Ride).

But, if you are a senior and don't receive Circuit Breaker benefits, then all you'll get is the Reduced Fare benefit of being a senior.

Do you suppose anyone calculated the cost of re-issuing all those cards and connecting seniors to the Circuit Breaker program? My guess is the cost of the change will far exceed the savings to the State.

So, if you are a senior, you'll need to keep an eye on these changes. Or if you know a senior, tell him or her to find out how to get the new Seniors Circuit Ride Free card. RTA reports that it began sending correspondence to seniors on April 8. If you are, or know, a senior who hasn't received such a communication, then call 312.913.3110 Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM.

If you want to attend the public hearing (probably more accurately called a public information meeting, since it won't do any good to "provide input" or complain about the change) in McHenry County, it will be on Thursday, June 9, 2:00-3:00PM, at the McHenry County Government Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, 2nd floor, Conference Room A.

August 1st. RTA will start mailing out the new cards.
September 1st. The old Seniors Ride Free cards are history. Seniors will need the Seniors Circuit Ride Free cards to ride free on the CTA train or bus, Metra train and Pace buses.

For more information, visit http://www.rtachicago.com/