Illinois Senate Joins House in Ending Free Rides for Seniors

Illinois senior citizens would lose their automatic free rides on public transportation under legislation that has been sent to Gov. Pat Quinn.

The measure -- SB3778 -- would limit the free rides, offering them only to elderly people who are poor enough to qualify for the Circuit Breaker aid program.

The Senate approved the change 54-2 on Monday. The Illinois House passed it on Sunday.

Democratic Sen. Donne Trotter said the state must cut back on expensive programs like this, which gave free service even to wealthy people.

The freebie began when former Gov. Rod Blagojevich inserted into legislation before he was removed from office.

In the past, Quinn has favored keeping the free service. His office did not immediately comment Monday.