10,000 People with Disabilities Ride Free Permits Expire September 30
40,000 Senior Ride Free permits expire Nov 30th
WHO DROPPED THE BALL?
With more than 10,000 Chicago disabled residents with free-ride transit permits need to renew them before they expire Sept. 30, the Regional Transportation Authority warned Monday.
Additionally nearly 40,000 seniors need to renew their Senior Ride Free permits by Nov. 30, the agency warned.
CHICAGO – The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is reminding riders that the expiration date of September 30 on Ride Free permits, used by qualifying persons with disabilities, is quickly approaching. If riders have not applied for the State of Illinois Benefit Access Program (BAP) they are encouraged to do so now in advance of the rapidly approaching expiration date.
In June, the RTA extended the expiration date of Ride Free permits for people with disabilities to September 30. The extension allowed more time for riders to apply for the BAP program as it could take between four and six weeks for eligibility to be approved.
“We extended the renewal process to ensure every qualified rider is able to ride the transit system,” said Leanne Redden, Acting Executive Director of the RTA. “We hope the extension has given the riders the time they needed to apply through the BAP program to ensure there are no interruptions in their service. If they have not applied yet, they should do so immediately, as time is running out.” "Seniors, (who have recently received a letter from RTA) are also strongly encouraged to apply...
Approximately 10,500 persons with disabilities have yet to renew their permits. If a permit has recently been renewed, no additional action is required. Additionally, Senior Ride Free permits, which originally expired on September 30, now expire on November 30, a date which is also approaching. If a Senior Ride Free permit has recently been renewed, no additional action is required. Seniors, who have recently received a letter from the RTA, are also strongly encouraged to apply with the BAP program, if they have not yet done so. The RTA is required by law to issue these permits to individuals who have been approved by the BAP program.
There are two ways to apply for eligibility through BAP:
From any computer or mobile device, visit the Illinois Department of Aging Benefit Access Program website at www.illinois.gov/agingand click on the “Benefit Access” tab.
For information on how to apply for a Ventra reduced fare card.
RTA’s Reduced Fare, Ride Free and ADA Paratransit programs
About the RTA
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is the only transit agency charged with regional financial oversight, funding, and transit planning for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace bus and paratransit. Riders take more than two million trips each weekday on the RTA region’s transit system in six counties with 7,200 transit route miles throughout Northeastern Illinois. The Agency also provides customer services including online and telephone travel planning assistance and travel training for seniors and people with disabilities.
40,000 Senior Ride Free permits expire Nov 30th
WHO DROPPED THE BALL?
With more than 10,000 Chicago disabled residents with free-ride transit permits need to renew them before they expire Sept. 30, the Regional Transportation Authority warned Monday.
Additionally nearly 40,000 seniors need to renew their Senior Ride Free permits by Nov. 30, the agency warned.
CHICAGO – The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is reminding riders that the expiration date of September 30 on Ride Free permits, used by qualifying persons with disabilities, is quickly approaching. If riders have not applied for the State of Illinois Benefit Access Program (BAP) they are encouraged to do so now in advance of the rapidly approaching expiration date.
In June, the RTA extended the expiration date of Ride Free permits for people with disabilities to September 30. The extension allowed more time for riders to apply for the BAP program as it could take between four and six weeks for eligibility to be approved.
“We extended the renewal process to ensure every qualified rider is able to ride the transit system,” said Leanne Redden, Acting Executive Director of the RTA. “We hope the extension has given the riders the time they needed to apply through the BAP program to ensure there are no interruptions in their service. If they have not applied yet, they should do so immediately, as time is running out.” "Seniors, (who have recently received a letter from RTA) are also strongly encouraged to apply...
Approximately 10,500 persons with disabilities have yet to renew their permits. If a permit has recently been renewed, no additional action is required. Additionally, Senior Ride Free permits, which originally expired on September 30, now expire on November 30, a date which is also approaching. If a Senior Ride Free permit has recently been renewed, no additional action is required. Seniors, who have recently received a letter from the RTA, are also strongly encouraged to apply with the BAP program, if they have not yet done so. The RTA is required by law to issue these permits to individuals who have been approved by the BAP program.
There are two ways to apply for eligibility through BAP:
From any computer or mobile device, visit the Illinois Department of Aging Benefit Access Program website at www.illinois.gov/agingand click on the “Benefit Access” tab.
- The State only allows applications online, not in writing or over the telephone
- The applicant must submit documentation online, which may require scanning documents to a computer to submit them online
- Chicago residents can visit any of the City of Chicago’s six Regional Senior Centers Monday through Friday, between 8:30 AM and 3:30PM. Riders can call 311 to find the closest Regional Senior Center or
- Call the Illinois Department on Aging at (800) 252-8966 to find a conveniently located center where staff can assist in filling the application.
For information on how to apply for a Ventra reduced fare card.
RTA’s Reduced Fare, Ride Free and ADA Paratransit programs
About the RTA
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is the only transit agency charged with regional financial oversight, funding, and transit planning for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace bus and paratransit. Riders take more than two million trips each weekday on the RTA region’s transit system in six counties with 7,200 transit route miles throughout Northeastern Illinois. The Agency also provides customer services including online and telephone travel planning assistance and travel training for seniors and people with disabilities.
For more information, visit www.RTAchicago.org.
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