March 31, 2011
The Civic Federation was one of the strongest and most consistent voices calling for the repeal of the Seniors Ride Free subsidized transit program for all but the lowest income seniors. The program, which offered free rides to all senior citizens 65 and over, proved to be a major revenue drain for financially stressed mass transit operators across the state. After Governor Pat Quinn signed Public Act 096-1527 into law, transit operators may expect to save $37 to $90 million a year with the termination of the program.