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People With Disabilities Ride Free
The State of Illinois is pleased to offer People with Disabilities Ride Free.
This program offers people with disabilities who meet certain income limits, and are enrolled in the Illinois Circuit Breaker program, free rides statewide on all fixed-route public transit systems.
The Illinois Circuit Breaker program income limits are as follows: $22,218 for a household of 1, $29,480 for a household of 2, $36,740 for a household of 3. To apply for Illinois Circuit Breaker, go online to www.cbrx.il.gov or call 1-800-624-2459.
Once enrolled in Circuit Breaker, contact your local transit system (or any fixed-route system statewide on which you wish to ride).
PLEASE NOTE: The State of Illinois issues Circuit Breaker Program postcards to all those enrolled in 2008 as persons with disabilities in the circuit breaker program. Circuit Breaker enrollment makes a rider eligible for free rides, and the postcard serves as proof of eligibility for the free ride benefit. However, local fixed-route transit systems may still require a local transit id. See further information below.
We hope you enjoy this new benefit. You deserve it and happy travels to you!
Illinois Fixed-Route Public Transit Systems:
Bloomington-Normal, (309) 828-9331, www.b-npts.com
- Circuit Breaker postcard may be used as identification for free rides on B-NPTS fixed route buses. Just show the postcard to the driver. If you already have a B-NPTS Elderly/Disabled Free Ride ID card, you need not take any further action. Just continue to use your B-NPTS free Ride ID when boarding the bus.
Champaign-Urbana, (217) 384-8188, www.cumtd.com
- Rider must go to the transit office at Illinois Terminal, present photo id and circuit breaker postcard. Picture will be taken and local transit id, known as a DASH card, will be mailed to rider within 7 to 10 days.
Chicago, Cook & Collar Counties: PACE, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, free ride programs administered by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) (312)913-5414, www.rtachicago.org/peoplewithdisabilitiesridefree
- Circuit Breaker enrollees, who DO NOT already have an RTA Reduced Fare Permit will need to fill out an application at the RTA’s Customer Service Center at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago or at one of the registration centers around the six-county RTA region. Applicants can find a RTA registration center by calling 312-913-5414 [TTY: 312-913-3111]. When applying, you will need a government-issued picture I.D. and a photo of yourself that is 1-inch square. Some centers may charge up to $5 for taking your photo. The RTA’s Customer Service Center does not charge for this service. The RTA will verify eligibility and issue a magnetic stripe card called a “Circuit Permit” within 3-4 weeks. This permit will allow for free rides on fixed-route transit.
- For those enrolled in Circuit Breaker and who DO ALREADY HAVE an RTA Reduced Fare permit: All current RTA Reduced Fare Permit holders with disability and ADA paratransit permit holders will be contacted by the RTA and asked to complete a short application and return it to the RTA. The RTA will verify eligibility and issue a magnetic stripe card called a “Circuit Permit” within 3-4 weeks. This permit will allow for free rides on fixed-route transit.
Danville, (217) 431-0653, www.cityofdanville.org
- Rider must provide picture ID to confirm identity and fill out short form. Once eligibility confirmed, Danville Transit will take photo and issue transit id card.
Decatur, (217) 424-2814, www.ci.decatur.il.us
- Rider must present Circuit Breaker postcard and photo id (such as driver’s license) at either of Decatur Transit two downtown facilities to receive a free ride transit id card (non-photo).
Galesburg, (309) 345-3614, www.ci.galesburg.il.us
- Rider must present Circuit Breaker postcard and photo id at City Hall or the Galesburg Transit bus garage. After registration, temporary 30-day card will be issued, to be replaced by laminated transit card mailed to rider.
Macomb, (309)298-3553, www.gowest.wiu.edu
- The McDonough County Public Transportation Program, City of Macomb, eliminated fares for everyone on the fixed route bus system earlier this year. MCPT now operates a fare-free fixed route system. Fares are still charged for demand response service for non-ADA paratransit riders.
Madison County Transit (MCT), (618)874-7433, www.mct.org
- Circuit Breaker postcard accepted for free ride until March 1, 2009, thereafter local transit id required. Rider must present circuit breaker postcard and photo id at MCT headquarters to receive transit photo id card. MCT also holding photo ID sessions through transit district until mid-February.
Greater Peoria & Pekin CityLink, (309)679-8158, www.ridecitylink.org
- Circuit Breaker postcard accepted for free ride benefit.
River Valley Metro, (815)937-4287, www.rivervalleymetro.com
- Circuit Breaker postcard and government issued id required for free ride.
Rockford, (815)961-9000, www.rmtd.org
- Circuit Breaker postcard, photo id and $2.00 must be presented at the Rockford Mass Transit transfer center. Rockford Mass Transit will then issue magenta colored free ride card.
Rock Island Metrolink, (309)788-3360, www.qcmetrolink.com
- Local transit id required. Rider must go to Metrolink agency office, fill out application, present photo id and Circuit Breaker postcard. Visitors (non-local) riders must show postcard and a photo id (such as driver’s license).
St. Clair County Transit (SCCTD), (618)628-8090, www.scctd.org
- Circuit Breaker postcard and government issued id accepted for free ride until December 31, 2008, thereafter local transit photo id required. Riders must present Circuit Breaker postcard and government issued photo ID at transit agency and other specified locations in order to obtain “CB Ride Free” card. CB Ride Free valid on fixed route buses and MetroLink light rail in St. Clair County only and may not be used as valid fare for trips into or out of Missouri.
Springfield, (217)522-6087, www.smtd.org
- Riders who are eligible for Circuit Breaker Program are required to obtain a “Disabled Free Ride” ID card from Springfield Mass Transit District.
Quincy, (217)228-4550, www.ci.quincy.il.us
- Quincy issuing local transit cards to eligible riders.
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SENIORS RIDE FREE
Now, all seniors can ride mass transit for free in Illinois.
Improvements to the historic mass transit funding plan passed by the General Assembly requires mass transit agencies statewide to allow senior citizens, aged 65 and older, to use main line and fixed route public transit service for free.
Details on free rides at your transit agency
SPECIAL NOTE - CTA, Metra and Pace riders:
If you already have a senior reduced fare card, you are already registered. Your reduced fare card will work on March 17th to allow you to take transit for free.
IF NOT, visit http://www.rtachicago.com/seniorsridefree to find out how to get your fare card so you can ride for free.
If you want to get details in the mail, you can pre-register below.
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INFORMATION ON SENIORS RIDE FREE AT YOUR TRANSIT AGENCY
Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and PACE (RTA region)
Free rides for seniors start March 17, 2008 in the RTA region.
www.rtachicago.com/seniorsridefree/
You can use your existing senior reduced fare card:
If you currently have a senior reduced fare card, you will be able to use that card to ride for free on the CTA, Metra and Pace starting March 17.
How to sign up for a senior reduced fare card:
If you do not have a senior reduced fare card, you must complete a simple enrollment process to sign up. You can register during normal business hours at the RTA's Customer Service Center at 165 N. Jefferson, or at any one of over 200 sites in the region. To find a site near you, go to www.rtachicago.com/seniorsridefree or call 836-7000 from any area code. Give your zip code to the operator, and they will let you know which location is nearest to you. To help complete your application when you go to a registration center, please bring with you a government issued picture identification card that verifies your age and also bring a photo of yourself that is approximately passport size (1 ½"square).
How it will work:
You will use this card just like it is used now – by showing it to a driver, ticket agent, or conductor, or you can use it at a turnstile or in a farebox. Metra riders will get a free ride ticket upon showing their card at the ticket office or to onboard personnel.
Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System (B-NPTS):
Free rides for seniors in Rock Island begin March 17, 2008. For more information on their policies and how to ride for free, visit: www.b-npts.com. Or call (309) 828-9331.
All Bloomington-Normal residents, age 65 and older, will be eligible for fare free transportation on all B-NPTS fixed route buses. In addition to providing free rides for persons 65 and older, B-NPTS is expanding the free ride program to include disabled citizens.
How it will work
To take advantage of the free ride program, a senior or disabled rider will need to provide proof of eligibility when boarding the bus. B-NPTS will accept the following as valid identification for the free ride program: a Medicare card OR a previously issued B-NPTS Elderly /Disabled Person Discount Card OR a newly issued B-NPTS Age 65+/Disabled Person Discount Card.
Other Options
Persons who are eligible but don't have a Medicare card, don't wish to use their Medicare card for this purpose, or do not have a previously issued B-NPTS Elderly/Disabled Person Discount card, may bring proof of person and age to the B-NPTS offices, located at 104 E. Oakland Avenue, Bloomington. B-NPTS will provide eligible persons a newly issued B- NPTS Age 65+/Disabled Person Discount Card. Disabled riders will be required to provide medical provider contact information in order for B-NPTS to verify disability status. Once disability status has been verified, the B-NPTS issued Age 65+/Disabled Person Discount Card will be mailed to the eligible participant.
This free ride program for seniors and disabled persons applies only to fixed route services. Regular fares are in effect for other Transit System services.
Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District:
Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District already provides free rides for seniors. For more information on their policies and how to ride for free, visit: www.cumtd.com. Or call (217) 384-8188.
How it works
A) Individuals who are 65 years of age or older must obtain a DASH card issued by the MTD in order to ride fixed-route services at no charge. A DASH card can be obtained at the MTD's Customer Service Center Desk at Illinois Terminal at 45 East University Avenue in Champaign. The Customer Service Center Desk is open every day of the week: Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
B) You must visit Illinois Terminal in person so that your photograph can be taken and to provide proof of your age. After your photograph is taken, your DASH card will be immediately issued. There is no fee. When boarding any MTD fixed-route bus, simply present your DASH card to the operator and your ride is free! The DASH card is valid for up to three years, and must be renewed upon expiration.
Danville Mass Transit :
Free rides for seniors in Danville began on February 25, 2008. For more information on their policies and how to ride for free, visit: www.cityofdanville.org. Or call (217) 431-0653.
How it works
Danville currently issues picture IDs to seniors to qualify for a reduced fare ride. These are the same IDs used for the free ride for seniors, so anyone who has one needs to do nothing further.
How to get a picture ID
For those who do not currently have the picture ID, they can be obtained only at the Danville Mass Transit office, 101 N. Jackson in Danville.
A) Folks need to bring proof of age and a picture ID. They will fill out a form, have their picture taken and an ID will be made while they wait, with the process only taking 5-10 minutes.
B) The ID card is set to expire the month of their birthday, encouraging them to remember to renew it. Each renewal is for a two year period.
C) The office is open for issuing cards 6 am to 5:20 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 4:30 pm on Saturdays. Cards need to be shown to the driver each time they board the bus.
Decatur Mass Transit System (DPTS):
Free rides for seniors will start in Decatur on March 17, 2008. For more information on their policies and how to ride for free, visit: http://www.ci.decatur.il.us/transit.htmor call (217) 424-2800.
How it will work
For many years DPTS has issued a Senior Citizen ID card that identifies riders eligible to ride the buses at a reduced fare. Starting March 17th, riders who show that card to the bus driver will ride for free. Senior Citizens can receive an ID card at no cost by going to the downtown Transit Center (the transfer point for all buses) between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. A photo ID that shows the person's date of birth is all that is required to receive the DPTS Senior Citizen ID card. DPTS will also be issuing ID cards at the Decatur Senior Center on April 3rd, 8:00 am to noon, for the convenience of our senior citizens.
Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District "Metrolink”:
Free rides for seniors in the Quad Cities begin March 17, 2008. For more information on their policies and how to ride for free, visit:www.qcmetrolink.com. Or call (309) 788-3360.
How it will work
A) A MetroLINK Senior I.D. card may be obtained at the following location: Centre Station, 1200 River Drive, Moline.
B) You will need to bring: a state or federal photo I.D. for verification of age and a recent utility bill for verification of address.
C) Be prepared to fill out a registration form and have your photo taken for your MetroLINK Senior I.D. card.
For additional questions, please obtain a MetroLINK rider's guide at Centre Station, visit the website at www.qcmetrolink.com or contact MetroLINK customer service at 309-788-3360.
St. Clair County Transit District:
Free rides for seniors in St. Clair County begin March 17, 2008. For more information on their policies and how to ride for free, visit: www.scctd.org. Or call (618) 628-8090.
How it will work
- Residents of the St. Clair County Transit District who are age 65 years and older will be able to ride fixed route Metrobuses and MetroLink free.
- Patrons must display their Medicare I.D. card, a government issued photo I.D., a valid driver's license or a valid passport when boarding a fixed route bus or upon a fare inspection on MetroLink.
People with disabilities
In addition to seniors riding fixed route transit for free, the St. Clair County Transit District has also decided to extend this benefit to disabled residents of the District who possess a Metro issued ADA identification card. Persons who possess a Metro issued ADA identification card need only display the card upon boarding a fixed route MetroBus in Illinois or upon a MetroLink fare inspection in Illinois.
Patrons must reside within the St. Clair County Transit District in order to be eligible for this benefit. Only residents of the following St. Clair County townships are eligible to apply for the Seniors Ride Free program in St. Clair County: Belleville, Canteen, Caseyville, Centreville, East St. Louis, Engelmann, Lebanon, Mascoutah, O'Fallon, St. Clair, Shiloh Valley, Smithton, Stites, Stookey, Sugarloaf.
Madison County Mass Transit (MCT):
Free rides for seniors in Madison County began on February 5, 2008. http://www.mct.org/
How it works
- In Madison County, individuals who are 65 or older must show the MCT bus driver a current state issued driver's license or identification card to ride for free.
- The free rides are only valid on the MCT fixed-route system. Individuals transferring from the MCT fixed-route system to a different public transit system will be subject to that transit system's fare structure. In coming months, MCT may provide senior citizens with an ID card that would enable them to travel beyond Madison County for free as well.
- Persons with disabilities, who are registered paratransit users can also ride for free on the MCT fixed route bus system by showing the driver acceptable identification. Persons with disabilities must be registered Paratransit users with a valid ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Registration card or Metro Paratransit Card. For information on how to register for the Paratransit service, please call (618) 931-7433.
- Greater Peoria Mass Transit District/Greater Pekin Mass Transit District "CityLink"
Free rides for seniors start March 17, 2008 in Peoria and Pekin. For more information on their policies and how to ride for free, visit: www.ridecitylink.org. Or call (309) 676-4040.
How it will work:
Any state-issued photo ID that proves the person is 65 or older will be approved for a free ride. Upon presentation of proof of age and photo ID, CityLink also issues transit ID's.
River Valley Metro Mass Transit District:
Free rides for seniors start March 17, 2008 in the River Valley district. For more information on their policies and how to ride for free, visit: http://www.rivervalleymetro.com/. Or call (815) 935-1403.
Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD):
Free rides for seniors start March 17, 2008 in Rockford. For more information on their policies and how to ride for free, visit: http://www.rmtd.org/. Or call (815) 961-9000.
How will it work?
- To take advantage of free rides for seniors at RMTD, anyone 65 years of age or older will need an RMTD photo ID.
- Photo ID's are taken every other Wednesday between 1:00 and 4:30 pm at 501 W. State Street. The cost is $2.00 and proof of age, such as a State ID, driver's license or birth certificate will also be required. For more information call (815) 961-9000.
- Springfield Mass Transit District
Free rides for seniors start March 17, 2008 in Springfield. For more information on their policies and how to ride for free, visit: http://www.smtd.org/ . Or call (217) 522-5531.
How it will work:
From March 17 to May 31, 2008 eligible seniors who choose to ride the bus for free under this program must show the bus driver their Federal Medicare Identification card or any identification that shows a date of birth.
Beginning June 1, 2008 all Seniors 65 and over will be required to have an SMTD Picture Identification Card that will be issued by the Springfield Mass Transit District, or they will have to continue to pay the reduced fare of $0.50.
A schedule of registration locations will be made available soon to facilitate the issuance of the new picture identification cards. A schedule will also be established for seniors to register at the SMTD offices when the registration system is not at other locations.
The Seniors Free Ride program is available only to those Seniors who are 65 and over and that reside within the Springfield Mass Transit District’s existing boundaries.
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