The Illinois House will start the process of repelling the dreadful Rod-the-Mod law that let's seniors ride free on public transit in the state. Perhaps the added revenue will give transit agencies Pace & the CTA the jump-start they need to increase service again.

Blagojevich was one of the worst things to happen to this state. Letting people ride public transportation for free??? Not that they should pay full fare, but nothing? Jesus. Good riddance.

Seriously. My dad has one of those passes, and he works full time as a lawyer. I don't mind lowering the fare for elderly, or free rides for lower/fixed income folks...but the across the board free pass was ridiculous.

its wasnt so much the concept as it was the blatant pandering while Blago was under indictment (during a financial crisis) that made it all the more galling

poor people with jobs who have to ride the cta twice a day need free passes more than anyone

and like lots of things given for free I'm sure it won't be abused by people that have actual money.

i didn't have a big problem with this. reduced fare is probably better though

It was a problem because it was introduced in the midst of a massive public transit funding crisis. It's a nice thing to do and everything but not if we have to cut services to get it or if we're gonna be a buncha pussies about fares and taxes.

ya this theory that we need to care for the elderly as if they're children is bullshit-if one acts responsibly through their adult life they shouldn't need reduced anything. Even as a kid I remember thinking it was crap my Grand Pa who was loaded got his meals cheaper ( he traveled with My Mom and us on most trips/vacations) then My family. He was a triple dipper in retirement and made good investments didn't need the senior menu to help his pocketbook.

I agree. Most seniors taking advantage of this just used it to go to the store for something to do on Wednesday. I don't see this being much of a revenue boost or anything.

Um, the CTA estimated it would cost them $30 million this year alone.