Strong opposition from Chicago Democrats scuttled a proposal to end a program that allowed Illinois seniors to ride buses for free.
Mass transit officials and others argued wealthy seniors should have to pay for bus rides. They also said the added revenue from those fares will help close a budget gap in Chicago-area transit agencies.
The program was crafted by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich after he broke a campaign promise and supported a tax increase in the Chicago area to help the transit systems there.
"In economic times like these we already know who needs help the most: everyday citizens," said state Sen. Rickey Hendon, D-Chicago. "Seniors still need to get to work, to see their doctors and run daily errands without financial burden."
In Decatur, for example, about 54,400 seniors rode the bus in 2007. That figure jumped about 50 percent after the fares were dropped.
"They are certainly taking advantage of it," said Decatur Public Transit System chief Paul McChancy.
Even if the program were eliminated at the state level, McChancy said local officials could decide to continue it on their own.
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