Seniors Receive Free Rides On Public Transit
by Thelma Sardin
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is notifying eligible senior citizens that they can receive free rides on public transit.
Seniors eligible for the Circuit Breaker program are sent a post card from the IDoA. The postcard informs the person that they are now enrolled [in] Circuit Breaker and eligible for the ride free program. They should contact their local public transit agency about free ride requirements, said Michael Gelder, acting director, IDoA.
According to Gelder, the Circuit Breaker Program provides enhanced well-being for Illinois citizens, ages 65 and above, or Persons with Disabilities between the ages of 16-65. Eligible applicants and their spouses can receive benefits on an annual basis that include: Property Tax Relief Grant, Illinois Cares Rx, License Plate Discount, Disabled Ride Free and Seniors Ride Free.
Seniors are determined eligible for the Seniors Ride Free program according to age and income guidelines.
To qualify for Seniors Ride Free a person must be 65 of age or older; live within the State of Illinois and must not exceed the following income guidelines:
$27,610 applicant only
$36,635 applicant and spouse or qualified additional resident
$45,657 applicant, spouse and qualified additional resident(s)
"Low income seniors, ages 65 years and older, who are enrolled in the Circuit Breaker program will receive free rides on mass transit. All other seniors qualify for a reduced fare which, in most cases, is approximately half the price of the regular fare," Gelder stated in a press release.
In addition, Gelder told the Citizen that seniors who apply in Chicago area (for CTA, Metra or Pace buses or trains) will receive a new magnetic stripe permit card from the Regional Transportation Authority. Depending on their eligibility, seniors will receive either a Ride Free or a Reduced Fare Permit.
Senior citizens living in the Citizen Newspaper coverage area should contact the Regional Transit Authority for more information at (312) 913-3110 or logging on to www.RTAchicago.com.
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