Statewide Free Bus, Train Services Expand To Citizens With Disabilities

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has signed legislation
to allow people with disabilities to ride free on all fixed
statewide route transit systems. The bill requires transit systems
to begin providing free rides to people with disabilities who
are enrolled in the State's Circuit Breaker program by October 24, 2008.

Statewide, approximately 275,000 low-income individuals with
disabilities are eligible for this benefit. This program expands Seniors Ride Free, which the Governor launched in January. The two programs ensure that nearly 1.6
Illinoisans can ride fixed-route transit for free.

"My Seniors Ride Free program has been a success from its beginning in
January," said Governor Blagojevich. "Now, thanks to this new law, all
disabled individuals eligible for Circuit Breaker in Illinois can also
enjoy the benefits and freedoms that public transit provides.

People with disabilities who wish to take part in the free transit
benefit must enroll in the Circuit Breaker program and meet income limits. Circuit Breaker annual household 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 Circuit Breaker, people with disabilities can visit
Web:http://www.cbrx.il.gov

Or http://www.rtachicago.com/CMS400Min/index.asp?id=760

Phone: 800.252.8966, or 800.624.2459

(TTY): 888.206.1327

Those already enrolled in Circuit Breaker should contact their local
transit agency to find out what they will need to do to take advantage
of the new benefit.

Disabled individuals not eligible for Circuit Breaker
will still be eligible for reduced fare, half-price transit rides as determined at the local government level.