Metra preps for end of seniors’ free rides

Metra Director Jack Schaffer is trying to head off any problems from the expected end of the state’s seniors-ride-free program.

At Friday’s Metra board meeting, the McHenry County representative drew attention to a potential problem should Gov. Quinn sign a bill passed by the General Assembly to halt free rides for senior citizens on public transportation.

Schaffer said Metra would work with other agencies to alert seniors, but that they might want to approve a short-term “forbearance” period allowing seniors to buy tickets on Metra trains without the $3 penalty charge, in making the transition away from station ticket booths.

“First we have see what the governor’s going to do,” Schaffer said.

He said the grace period could last a month or some agreed-upon length of time. He emphasized that seniors will still be entitled to half-price fares.