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Politics & Government

RTA To Host Forum On Seniors' Free Rides

A law passed in February that restricts free rides to low income Illinois seniors goes into effect this summer.

Seniors may have fewer low-cost transportation options in the future.

As of Sept. 1, most people above 65 years old will no longer be able to ride the Regional Transportation Authority, which includes CTA, Metra and Pace, for free on the free Seniors Ride program. Only low-income senior citizens will be able to participate, according to a law signed by Governor Pat Quinn in February. 

Similarly, the Village of Niles reduced funding for its Free Bus in the budget passed May 24. Staff is working out a plan for the bus, which may no longer be free, or offer reduced service.

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To raise awareness of the RTA adjustments, the RTA is hosting a series of public hearings between June 6 and June 16. North suburban riders and residents can attend the informational session scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on June 16 at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston. 

Roughly 25,000 of the more than 440,000 seniors who currently participate in the program will continue to qualify, Joseph Costello, RTA's executive director, told The Chicago Tribune. The remaining participants will pay a reduced fee.

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stay tuned for updates from Patch on the story and check out the full list of RTA's public hearings 

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