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IL Senate Considers Limiting Free Rides for Seniors
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois lawmakers are considering restrictions on free public transit rides for senior citizens.

Legislation in the state Senate would use income levels to determine who qualifies for the free rides and who doesn't. For instance, a senior who makes more than about $41,000 a year would no longer ride for free.

Right now, anyone 65 or older can qualify for free public transportation.

The free rides were inserted into legislation about two years ago by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Since then, critics have complained the measure harms struggling transit systems while providing a benefit to people who can afford to buy tickets.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
05 05 10 by Newsroom
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