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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Chicago area's RTA extends deadline to renew free ride permits for Senior and Disabled riders

BY STEFANO ESPOSITO Staff Reporter June 18, 2014 10:26AM

Senior and disabled riders concerned about the fast-approaching deadline to renew their Ride Free permits for buses and trains are set to get a break.
The permits holders — approximately 100,000 people — now have an extra three months to renew for permits that originally expired either on June 30 or Sept. 30, according to the Regional Transit Authority.
“As the issuing agency, the RTA recently became aware that many permit holders need additional time to apply for (Illinois’ Benefit Access Program),” Leanne Redden, RTA’s acting executive director, said in a statement. “To assure the remaining renewals are processed smoothly and that, most importantly, no qualified rider is unable to ride the transit system, we are extending the expiration dates of all these permits by several months.”
RTA officials suggest qualifying riders apply promptly because it may take up to six weeks for the state to approve a permit.
To renew, go to www.illinois.gov/aging and click on the “Benefit Access” tab. If you need help filling out the form online, call the state Department on Aging at 1-800-252-8966.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/28154765-418/rta-extends-deadline-to-renew-free-ride-permits.html#.U6HW2fnIG_g

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