Will tweaks to seniors free rides hit third rail?

The train hasn't left the station, but it's got a modicum of momentum when it comes to limiting free trips for all seniors on public transit to low-income riders only.

Democrats and Republicans legislators confirmed talks are ongoing to alleviate the financial crises confronting Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority.

The political climate is less charged than in early 2008 when Gov. Rod Blagojevich strong-armed the surprise policy into place in exchange for allowing a sales tax increase to fund transit. But some lawmakers acknowledged that the issue has the propensity to be as politically dangerous as stepping on a third rail.

Restricting senior free rides to those making $22,200 or less could generate between $30 million and $37 million a year in extra cash to the three agencies at a time when they need it. Continuing the status quo could mean up to $1.4 billion in lost revenues by 2030, a University of Illinois at Chicago study projected. If the law changed, senior fares would revert to half-price for seniors not considered low-income.

Pace is considering cutting or reducing 51 regional bus routes and raising paratransit fares, the pickup service for disabled people, to up to $5 in Chicago and $3.50 in the suburbs. As of Nov. 15, paratransit fares will be $3 across the region.

Pace budget hearings in suburban Cook and DuPage counties have produced crowds of people opposing changes. Bus riders say cancellations could mean loss of access to jobs, schooling and health care. Paratransit users say the extra costs would push their finances to the brink.

Mount Prospect resident Larry Alanis told officials at an Arlington Heights forum this week that eliminating his bus route "will endanger my employment. If you cut this route it will cause a lot of problems for everyone," he said.

The CTA is considering fares hikes from $2.25 to $2.50 for buses and $3 for trains.

Metra also could raise the prices of one-way tickets, weekend passes and penalties for buying tickets on trains.

State senators from both parties addressed the issue last week.

"We're looking at calibrating the Blagojevich seniors ride free program so it's income-based," said Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Martin Sandoval, a Chicago Democrat. "Blagojevich got it dead wrong. Unfunded mandates were part of his mantra of government."

CTA and Pace fare increases disproportionately hurt the poor, elderly and minorities, Sandoval said. He is pushing for using capital dollars to plug transit agency shortfalls.

Senate Republicans say the ball is in the Democrats' court. GOP Senate leader Christine Radogno supports income-based free rides. But although she's willing to look at proposals, in principal the concept of using bond funds to pay for operating expenses is not a good budget practice, spokeswoman Patty Schuh said.

The General Assembly reconvenes for the fall session Thursday.

"Next week, the curtains will come off a lot of things," Schuh said.

On the House side, Palatine Republican state Rep. Suzie Bassi introduced a measure Oct. 15 seeking to restrict rides to low-income seniors. "There are quite a few people who are very serious about wanting something to happen," she said.

Steve Brown, spokesman for Democrat Speaker Michael Madigan, noted "it was not the speaker's idea that we have a more generous program. That was from the guy who used to be in office."

Lawmakers acknowledged tweaking a benefit for seniors with a primary election nearing will make some politicians squeamish.

"It's a very serious voting group," Bassi said. But when the policy first emerged in 2008, "in my district, the majority of people said 'it's ridiculous the governor has done that,'" she recalled.

Meanwhile, Northbrook Democratic state Rep. Elaine Nekritz is pushing for legislation that would give priority to paratransit when transit funds are divvied up. She acknowledged it will be opposed by the CTA and Metra but noted if nothing's done the paratransit shortfall "will be solved on the backs of low-income disabled riders, which is not an appropriate solution."

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=331813">Pace budget problems may result in fewer Kane routes <span class="date">[10/26/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>