Just like that, seniors pay nothing to ride
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's last-minute politicking to give seniors free rides on public transit drew cries of outrage from Democrats and Republicans and nearly propelled the RTA to the brink of a budget crisis in January.
But Monday, the first day of the new no-fare policy, it was all smiles and good vibrations on Pace bus 234.
"Finally, something for us!" one Wheeling senior said as she took her seat.
Joe Janisch, a 75-year-old from Des Plaines on his way back from St. Raymond's Church in Mount Prospect, didn't ask for the perk.
More Coverage Seniors ride free details bull; The program is open to all individuals age 65 and older living in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. bull; To take advantage, you'll need a senior reduced-fare card. If you already have one, that's all you need.bull; Reduced-fare cards can be obtained at the RTA customer service center from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 165 N. Jefferson St., Chicago. bull; There are 200 other registration sites that include suburban village and town halls, township offices or senior centers. To find one near you, call 836-7000 from any area code or visit the RTA at www.rtachicago.com/seniorsridefree.bull; To get the reduced fare card, you need a government-issued identification and photo. Although the RTA offices will take photos, not every location does, so it's best to call first.bull; Processing the card will take two to three weeks.
"With the financial problems the state and the RTA have, I would've been satisfied with the half fare," he said.
"But if they're giving it to me free, fine. I think it's great. Every little bit helps. The cost of food is going up, the cost of gas is going up."
In January, the General Assembly agreed to a sales tax hike in the RTA service region to prevent the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace from instituting fare increases, staff reductions and service cuts because of ongoing deficits. The sales tax will generate about $500 million a year.
But in exchange for his blessing, Blagojevich insisted that seniors get free rides, a proviso that squeaked by the General Assembly in a close vote. The legislation also included reforms to the CTA pension plan and gave greater oversight powers to the Regional Transportation Authority.
Bus Route 234 travels between Wheeling and downtown Des Plaines, connecting passengers with Metra stops, shopping malls and community centers.
Charlene Sirotzki, 70, is a frequent rider. Her destination Monday was a grocery store at the Randhurst Shopping Center.
"I use it every day, weather permitting, because I don't drive," she said.
The Des Plaines retiree estimates she'll save about $25 a month by not paying fares.
"I'll probably use it for buying groceries. That's going up, too," she said.
Blagojevich's plan was lambasted by some because it gives free rides to those 65 and older who live in the collar counties regardless of income.
"I think it would have been better if they gave it to low-income people, too," Sirotzki said, "but I'm glad I'm getting it."
The cost of free rides annually could total about $2 million for Pace, $10 million for Metra, and $20 million for the CTA. But CTA leaders said the $20 million reflects only the cost of reduced fares in 2007 and could be higher.
Metra and the CTA are also refunding unused paid fare cards; both agencies said more than 300 people had sought reimbursements Monday. For the CTA, the largest refund was $336 and the smallest was 15 cents, a spokeswoman said.
Despite it being the first day of the program, the three agencies reported few problems. Officials as of Monday afternoon didn't have tallies of all the seniors using the service, but Pace reported a slight increase in riders age 65 or older.
As Carol Kaznowski climbed aboard bus 234 after buying a CD at the Randhurst mall, she contributed her last fare.
"I didn't know the rules so I paid," the 66-year-old Mount Prospect woman said. "It's not something I expected, but it's a nice idea. I don't drive, so I take the bus about three times a week. I like the bus; I don't worry about the weather."
And, as someone who has spent countless dollars on Pace, Metra and CTA fares for the last 42 years, Kaznowski believes, "I've paid my dues."