NEWS
from the Illinois Senate
State Senator Susan Garrett
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002
NEW LAW GIVES FREE RIDES TO THE DISABLED
Garrett announces new law which provides free rides on public transit for individuals with disabilities
HIGHWOOD, IL— State Senator Susan Garrett (D – Lake Forest) announced the signing of a new law today which provides free rides on public transit for disabled individuals across Illinois.
Senate Bill 1920 will allow anyone who is disabled and eligible for the Circuit Breaker program to receive free rides on all fixed route mass transit systems throughout Illinois. Disabled riders in the metropolitan region already ride at half price. Additionally senior citizens, regardless of income, ride free as a result of a law signed earlier this year.
“This new law provides an opportunity for those with disabilities to commute to their place of work, to take care of necessary shopping needs and visit their doctors without facing a financial burden,” said Garrett who serves as a member of the Senate’s Committee on Human Services and chief sponsor of the legislation. “It is my hope this law will provide these individuals an opportunity to live a life where transportation isn’t looked at as a road block, but instead opens the door for more options and opportunities,” Garrett added.
Each mass transit district would determine how to implement the free ride program for those who qualify. This program will be available within 60 days of the Governor’s signature.
The legislation also provides oversight and accountability for the portion of the increased RTA sales tax that will be going directly to the collar counties for road improvements. The county boards of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties will have to report annually to the General Assembly and the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability on how the money is being spent.
“It is important that every new sales tax dollar collected for transportation is used specifically for road and safety projects. Now there will be assurances that our tax dollars will have the oversight and transparency we expect,” Garrett said.