Seniors register for rides

State officials said about 4,000 senior citizens have registered for a new program that will allow the elderly to ride public transit for free. During a news conference in downtown Chicago, Gov. Rod Blagojevich said response has been so strong that the state is adding a second toll-free number to accommodate callers who are registering for the program. The free rides for people over 65 begin in March. They were part of a contentious deal between the governor and state lawmakers to fund Chicago-area mass transit. Seniors can register by calling the Illinois Department on Aging at (800-252) 8966 or (800) 447-4278 or visiting www.illinois.gov/transit.