Free rides still imperil transit bill

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to give seniors free rides on public transit cleared an Illinois House committee Wednesday but still hangs in the balance when lawmakers return to Springfield today.

And legislators could have another twist in store by trying to restrict the fare breaks to needy seniors and those with disabilities. Hundreds of frustrated riders waited in a lengthy security line to speak at a House Mass Transit Committee hearing in Chicago.

Many implored state officials to avert a "doomsday" situation Sunday. That's the date the Chicago Transit Authority and Pace set to implement cuts and fare hikes unless new revenues materialize.

The General Assembly passed a controversial sales tax increase last week that will provide a windfall for the CTA, Pace and Metra but Blagojevich amended it with the free-rides provision. The next step is for the House and Senate to vote on the governor's changes, which is necessary to keep the bailout alive.

Chicago resident Patricia Mackelroth, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, said service cuts would be devastating to those with health problems.

"Without the system, we're lost," she said. "There are hundreds of people who are just a thread away from being homeless."

But a number of speakers questioned why the benefit was only offered to seniors. "There are many classes of people who need help in our state," said LaGrange resident Jim Watkins, who uses a wheelchair.

State Rep. Julie Hamos, an Evanston Democrat who sponsored the bailout plan, said the 15-6 vote was a "strong" signal to the General Assembly but acknowledged challenges lie ahead because numerous lawmakers oppose Blagojevich's changes.

"I've been very fearful we don't have the votes in place," she said. One new idea that emerged from the meeting was to limit the free rides to needy seniors and disabled individuals. Such as policy would need another vote in the General Assembly but it could be introduced as a trailer bill today if Blagojevich's proposal passes.

Schaumburg Democrat Paul Froehlich wanted more information on the trailer bill.

"I want to make sure it doesn't cost the state more than it saves," he said. Restricting fare breaks to low-income people with disabilities and seniors was introduced by state Rep. Kathleen Ryg, a Vernon Hills Democrat, who recommended using the state's Circuit Breaker program as a basis for deciding who is eligible.

One of Circuit Breaker's main purposes is to help Illinois residents pay for prescription drugs based on how much income they have.

The concept might sweeten Blagojevich's proposal for lawmakers and residents who object to its scope, Hamos said. "I've been hearing from stockbrokers and lawyers in my district" who don't want to take rides for free, she said.

Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said the governor would "like to see disabled people have access to free transit" but more information was needed about Ryg's plan. CTA, Pace and Metra leaders told legislators Blagojevich's idea was a surprise to them but pointed out that the estimated $30 million cost would be offset by new revenues from the sales tax.

State Rep. Dennis Reboletti, an Elmhurst Republican, said he met with 200 seniors this week who opposed it. "I was taught by my parents, there's no such thing as a free ride," he said.

That prompted an impassioned defense of the mass transit bailout by Regional Transportation Authority Executive Director Steve Schlickman.

"We can't afford fare cuts this Sunday," he said. "That would be the worst thing to happen to mass transit in this country."

State Rep. Sid Mathias, a Buffalo Grove Republican, criticized Blagojevich's last-minute tweak, saying "this could have been dealt with months ago," however supported the free rides to ensure the mass transit bailout occurs.

But state Rep. Patricia Bellock, a Hinsdale Republican, said none of her constituents were beating the drum for free transit.

"I've had 80 phones calls and only one was for it," she said referring to Blagojevich's plan. Most of the crowd at the hearing urged officials to support the free rides but a number spoke in opposition, saying it wasn't financially prudent.