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Viewer Feedback On Mass Transit Bailout

(CBS) We wanted to know your thoughts on the state's plan to bail out mass transit in the Chicago area and Gov. Rod Blagojevich's proposal to allow seniors across the state to ride public buses and trains for free. Here's what you said: 

Thanks, but no thanks Gov.  As a retired senior who rides CTA to Dr. appts etc. I think that we already get a good deal with the reduced senior fare. I don't want to be treated disrespecful by others, because we are riding for free, and it will happen.

--Alberta B.

No wonder the CTA is in trouble, the news recently reported that a CTA bus driver could retire after 3 yrs. employment and receive medical coverage for the remainder of their life! This is a great, and unnecessary, expense to the taxpayers! Why are collar counties paying more of a tax increase than those people in Chicago and Cook county who are the ones using the services of the CTA? I haven't been in Chicago or used the Cook county transit system for several years, since I live outside of Cook county, I don't know why I'm paying for this service, you may as well tax the rest of the counties in Illinois, it makes just as much sense.
-Jean F.

I think that although it would be great to have seniors ride the bus for free,who's going to pay for it? I think the Gov is an idiot!
--Karen S.
Get the goverment out of the transportation business !!! Lease it out. They couldn't run the skyway. What makes them think they can run a bus?
--Dan O.

I think it is appalling that our governor is holding the state hostage for such stupid suggestions at a time when transit needs money. Did he consider how many seniors there are that this would even benefit?

Instead why doesn't he think of the low income people that need to use public transportation to get to work to support their families and stay off or get off of welfare. Why not offer discounted fares to the people who really need it. Seniors are already getting discounted fairs and it really isn't that much for a monthly pass if they're really using transit on a regular basis.

Why not step back and see what is good for everyone. Transit needs the money, don't give more free rides and especially bringing it up at the 11th hour. What is he thinking?

I myself am all for finding ways to help transit grow over time and help those less fortunate. So if anything needs to be considered, then look at helping low income people getting to their jobs and not spending money that could be used for food for their household just to get to and from a job on a regular basis.

Is anyone looking at the overall effect that he keeps adding one more thing to everything. He's looking for publicity so he can say, "look what I got for you." Instead what is it costing taxpayers for making everyone go back and review this last minute kink he has put in something that our legislators have put forward. I think it's time he let's the legislators do their jobs and watch out for the IL citizens and stop standing in their way. 
--Phyllis 

He's kidding, right? (I mean the Governor). This mass transit argument has been raging since last spring on the basis that the whole system is in a huge financial hole! And now, we're going to give FREE RIDES to people, many of whom didn't even ask for them! Now that's sound fiscal policy, Illinois style! Didn't I hear that "if you're in a hole, the first thing you have to do is stop digging"?
--Sylvia S., 58

Free public transportation for seniors is common in some European countries. It won't cost the CTA much, and it may discourage older people from driving. But as a senior myself, transportation is not a major budget item. The main thing is to get public transportation properly and permanently funded, both operations and capital expenses. I'll gladly take free rides, but I don't require them.
--Conrad W.

I am prepared and willing to pay a small amount of extra taxes to assist with helping our senior citizens, but to allow every senior citizen in the state to ride for free with no limitations is an outstanding demand made by the governor at the expense of our pocketbooks.. not his.  I feel that senior citizens that are low income or do not have other transportation should be allowed free transportation and other senior citizens who have more money from 401k or other retirement plans and have alternative transportation should have a small discount.  To give senior citizens free rides when they have the ability to pay or have other transportation available is just wasting our money.  To assist the senior citizens that have no way to pay or any other form of transportation is our duty as a community.  So the senior citizens that feel they qualify for free transportation should have to register for it and have special passes. Thank you for asking for our opinions.. it is very important that we feel heard.. since we will be the ones paying for it.
--Rachel B.

The taxes in this region are high enough already. In Chicago alone, the sales tax is 9%.  Mayor Daley has extra taxes on bottled water, soda, and fruit drinks that are less than 50% juice. Higher sales taxes hurt working poor people, such as myself.  This idea for free rides for all seniors is an idea bordering on lunacy. Most seniors I know get more money than I do, and I actually work. They are the richest people I know. They don't need free rides. Reduced fares are good enough.  They still don't pay half of what I pay.

Look at the CTA. I mean, really look. They have been mismanaging  and misappropriating funds for years. Then they cut service and raise fares.  There have been times with they had surpluses and they wasted it to get more funds, and still raised fares.

I have no idea were Rod is coming from suggesting this. It's a bad idea any way you look at it.  They should pay just like the rest of us.
--TJ

This is not a new problem.  Ron H did not create it, but has worked hard at fixing it, Rod B is trying to make a little thing of free rides into a huge deal as it is. I agree to reduced fares, but free is going to cause problems. I think that raises in price are coming and we just need to deal with it.  --Stacy

I think this latest amendment to the bailout plan is just an attempt for the Governor to win back some good graces in the wake of the recent scandals attached to his office and his falling approval rating. Its well intentioned, but given the existing financial woes may not be best placed in 2008. However, in the meantime, the additional delay has strong potential for a pre-January 20th doomsday for several CTA workers who have pink slips dated for this week (today and tomorrow). Now that's news.
-- Sharnia

What a shame Gov. Rod doesn't believe in the democratic process. Rod's new idea should have the opportunity to be researched and evaluated based on factual data regarding cost, implementation, and reasonableness.

His administration shows a total lack of leadership and good governance. I hope the legislators have the political courage not to let Gov Rod bully them into a plan that has not been given the benefit of debate and investigation
-- Lucy

I like the idea that seniors ride for free and who would say they like a tax increase. I think that they should do something about there extravigant pension plan they have at the CTA I know people that worked for the CTA and with only 25 yrs of service retired with a huge monthly income at a young age. It is about double what you would get from Social Security. The other free bee you get if you retire from CTA is you get to ride for free for the rest of your life. Nice huh?
-- Kathy

Once again our governor is working hard to sabotage a simple long-term funding package for public transportation by proposing that seniors ride free. Has anyone figured out how much it might cost to do it? It doesn't make any sense to provide badly needed funding and then snatch back an undetermined amount of it to cover the cost of this boondoggle.
-- Rick Burke

This proposal doesn't make sense. Not all seniors ride the CTA/Pace, yet all seniors buy things that incur a sales tax. Therefore, only a small percentage of seniors would get any benefit from this proposal.

I heartily disapprove of a sales tax increase. I live in Chicago but feel I would have to go far outside the city and even the county to try to avoid these proposed increases (and what of Stroger's 11 percent proposal? This new increase would be on top of that??!?!??!)

AND I just had a huge increase in my real estate taxes to the tune of $200 a month! When will it end?

I take the CTA almost daily and I have no problem paying up to 50 cents more per ride. Let us riders pay for the service.

Thank you.
--Judy Walsh

In 2006, the CTA had budget problems, but were "bailed" out at the last minute by the state. In 2007, CTA had budget problems (the ones with Jan. 20 as doomsday) waiting to be "bailed" out again. What is going to happen in the fall when the CTA has to create another budget? Cry "wolf" again and threaten cuts and fare increases? A budget means you work with the money you have, NOT the money you wish you had.
-- Andrea in Chicago

Even as a "bleeding heart" Democrat, I see major flaws with the state's recommended solution to Chicago's CTA problems. Why do seniors get a break and not the disabled or mentally challenged? Why don't low income people get a reduced rate? Where do we draw the line with the discounts? Maybe an alternative to discounts would be for private or subsidized organizatons to offer monies for qualifying people, rather than the CTA taking a loss while increasing ridership. From what I understand, Chicago's public transportation is among the cheapest in the U.S. Maybe it is time to increase the basic rates, in the hopes of bettering the system. I do not understand how the CTA can spend millions improving less used, higher income neighborhood train stations (like the brown line), yet want to cut vital bus lines in communities depending on the CTA for work, personal, and medical reasons. It is a sad, sad situation when I find it cheaper, quicker, and more convenient to ride my bicycle, motorcycle, or car to work everyday rather than taking the CTA. Perhaps a few people had it right in suggesting an outside firm revamp our system. If the mayor truly wants a harmonious "green" city, he needs to start with how we run our public transportation systems. And one another note, with all the taxes that keep being tagged on to middle class workers/consumers like myself, I will soon be moving back to Indiana!
--B. Sullivan

I think it's a good idea that seniors ride for free. I do not think the tax payers should have to pay for the poor management skills of the transit authority. Those that ride should pay more. I think the increase should be equal to the percentage increase in a gallon of gas since the last fare increase. It costs most people more than $5 a day to get to work and back just in gas costs alone.
--Karen Forsythe

I turn 60 this month. My answer to the Governor's idea is NO, NO, NO! I see no reason for citizens over 65 to get a "free ride". Age is no rationale for special treatment. There are people who need economic help and I don't oppose subsidizing their needs. But, we have experience in this country with Welfare and 'entitlement' and their destructive effects.
Zero price means that the service has zero value (entitlement) to those who use (or abuse) it. Everyone should pay their way, even if some get it at a reduced cost.
--Steve

I totally object to the proposed Illinois sales tax for mass transit. This is just an excuse to raise the sales tax. I am a senior citizen and do not deserve to ride free. This just a ploy by the Governor to increase a sympathetic jury pool for the day he is prosecuted for corruption. Pitiful.
--Almo Manzardo

Holding up a transit bill that would help millions of commuters to give free rides to seniors? That made my jaw drop. Seniors already get reduced fees. Not to mention, how many seniors do you see riding the bus and Metra during rush hour? Maybe they can get free rides after the morning and evening rush. Perhaps this has more to do with the Governor's ego about having to raise taxes after promising not to? It's time to come up with a workable plan, and keep Chicago moving. There's no such thing as a free ride.
--Eric Stone, Chicago

Nothing is really free. The seniors are still paying for the free ride by increased taxes.
-- Pat Kovach

I am a Senior citizen and I don't think free rides is the answer. I don't use public transportation, I don't get a discount for gas when going to the gas station. Why should I pay extra taxes for something that I do not use. These so called 'free rides' are not free, someone is paying for them - why should we? Let those who use public transportation, pay the fee. Give Senior citizens a break by not increasing our taxes.
-- A Senior from Chicago

I don't agree with totally free rides for seniors. There should be some reasonable charge for the people that helped build our city and our country. They paid their dues and are still paying taxes and will as long as they live, so give them a break. People that don't use public transportation but rather cars are a large part of the reason we are experiencing global warming, and increased dependence on oil. If everyone that clogs up our expressways and highways everyday would commute on public transportation there would not be this particular crisis.

Those of you that own a car, pay insurance and high gas prices should drive when you have to and on weekends, especially those that drive in from the burbs, come join us in increasing rider ship and reducing fuel emissions. I drive to a certain point in the city and park my car on the street and take the bus. I would love to be able to walk the two blocks to the bus line and ride all the way. I can't because I live in a neighborhood where standing on the corner in the dark of morning or evening could cost you a mugging at the least and maybe your life. Be happy that you live in an area where relative safety is a given and can go get in your cars or wait at a bus stop that is safe. Be happy that you have homes that are in nice areas where daily shooting and crime in general is rampant. Many of these seniors that you are downplaying live this everyday and deserve a little break.

You know people that live in the city pay taxes that benefit the burbs and people that live in the burbs pay taxes that benefit people in the city so lets give the seniors a small reduction and get on with the business of public transportation.
-- MoShuCat


Everybody missed the point. THE PEOPLE WHO USE IT SHOULD PAY FOR IT. If the CTA would have raised fares when they first threatened the problem would not have been as bad as now.
-- Wayne Obidowicz

None of this would have happened to begin with, if those who control and manage budgets – actually were held accountable for the same. A 'budget', means not spending more than what can be spent. In governments, it means 'tax' the people to make up for your spend thrifty ways. I fail to see where our elected bozocrats earned their 10 percent pay increases. Shoot, the majority of todays current working world won't see a 10 percent pay increase over the next 10 years combined. I'm in favor of giving our senior citizens a free ride. By the time I reach that age, I doubt if there will be any social security check to help me make ends meet.
-- Jeff

Senior Citizens well deserves to ride the CTA Trains and Buses for Free especially with the higher Taxes and they are important just as much as the regular CTA Riders.
-- Dan Rakow, West Chicago

Governor, you have got to be kidding, and, Ron Huberman, what are you thinking! I thought we are looking for ways to fix this system that has been so miserably destroyed by mismanagement over the years. Now we're giving free rides to seniors. What about the disabled and the people who are barely making minimum wage (you know the ones - they're out on the corners in inclement weather waiting for 15 or 20 minutes for buses that never come!)? They deserve a free ride too!
-- Anonymous

All I can say is "Here you go again!" The transit riders are being held hostage once more by the man with this little deviated act.
-- Grace, Naperville

I ride PACE and have found the service and drivers to be excellent. I am more than willing to pay more for the service but this free ride for seniors is goofy since seniors already get reduced fares. Who does the gov think he's impressing with this silly gesture?
-- Deb Myers

I think that seniors should be able to ride for free. The tax hike, on the other hand, is a bad idea. I am not going to pay more taxes for buses and trains that I do not ride. I own a vehicle, that costs me more than enough, to put gas into. I'm not supporting other people means of transportation. That is their problem, not mine. Maybe they should cut the bus and train operators pay. They make way too much to just drive around all day. They would be able to afford to keep all the buses and trains, if they would stop causing accident and getting sued. Chicago should be footing this bill, not the whole state. I will move to another state first. Rod needs to be kicked out of office. He's doing more harm than good.
-- Patty Baartz

I decided to read others opinions before voicing my own, which is pretty much in line with the majority of responses you have gotten so far. I am 65, working full time, and since seniors are already eligible for reduced fees @ that age, I think it is unfair to paying riders and shortsighted of the CTA to consider this. I think the bill should pass as written. Furthermore some routes could be eliminated, but some of the ones chosen for possible "demolition" at this juncture would completely take away all buses on the far north that are now serviced by the 146, 136 and 135. Poor planning! Also the 134 bus is totally unnecesary, so they should consider that too. Thanks for the opportunity to speak.
-- Terri Hunt Myers

So, after a RECORD setting session of month and months of babble. The (less than)-brilliant Democrats come up with.........A TAX INCREASE. Gosh, why are we not surprised!
-- D.R. Scott

Funding??? It's easy.... Raid some of the City of Chicago TIF's ..over 100 of them nesting upwards of 400 to 600 million dollars. Raid some of the City Skyway money. ALL ACROSS THE BOARD TAX in Chicago(Hotel, sales, real estate transfer, 911, gas, water, wine, city sticker, parking, air travel, etc.) to a 1/2 to 1% adder. Stock Market Tax.....a tenth of a percent tax on every transaction at the Exchanges in Chicago. Option,Stocks,Futures. The major players in the market being targeted...Rich and Ultra Rich traders,Fund managers,Hedge Fund managers,Major Banks. Hire a Blue Ribbon Team...(Some of the best business minds in the country)To make tough recommendations. And to search for a REAL CEO to run the CTA...We can not afford any more friends ..Sorry Ron Huberman. OUT OF TOWN WORKERS TAX...anybody and everybody that do not reside in Chicago,but, work in Chicago pay a tax. All of these funding sources will pick up at least 400 million plus, per year.Last,get into talks with China...To help build and fund a NEW Future type Monorail system. With China recieving a share of the profits over X amount of years.
-- D. Green

I think the idea of letting the seniors ride is well and fine, but how will you know?
Some seniors do not look 65 years old, will there be a special pass for them? Hopefully you will not cut the 14 Express bus that's a money making bus, people ride all day, everyday on it. So I hope the city thinks twice about what it will to the people and the Olympics if it comes to chicago, how will the people be able to go to the event.
-- Shirley

Here we go again. people with Disabilities are gretting nothing.I am a person with a disability from Bradley Illinois. I have been very vocal about us not getting any discounts or anything and this just takes the cake. Bloggy just lost my vote.

Why is it when it comes to getting discounts and free stuff, Seniors are the only ones that seem to get any breaks? Seniors are NOT the only people who struugle to pay their bills.

People that are disabled deserve some discuunts too. Granted Seniors pay taxes, but so do we. Not to the same amount though, but that is partially because Disabled people have had a low & limited income all their working lives. Seniors usually deal with a low & limited income after retirement.

Im very discussed with Bloggy and no I still won't vote for him. I even thought he was a bad choice before he got his cusy job. Let him walk in the shoes of a disabled person for one day and he'd get what I'm saying.
-- Patrick Martell, Bradley, Ill.

Funny, you only mention the 1/4 % for cook county and not 1/2 % Sales tax increase for Lake County and nothing about the gasoline tax increase.
Why should Lake county subsidize Chicago? I say raise the fare for those who use the system.
Why should an employee of CTA only work 3 yrs and get retirement at age 55 and Free Healthcare for life?
I think that the whole system should be revamped. Maybe it should be sold to a private corporation, who could run it like a REAL business. 
--S.C.

I support the idea as a good compromise, but am frustrated that the governor didn't discuss this with the legislators before they sent him the bill so that it was included in the bill he was sent to sign. The cost to tax payers for all this inefficiency is ridiculous.
-- Steven Wade

It's about time there was something done for Seniors. After years of paying their dues and working hard, there should be some kind of relief. I recently became "of age" and can't believe how hard it is to manage on Soc Sec alone. I can't even get groceries after the bills are paid. It would be nice to be able to get on public transportation and just sit down. We are the baby boomers coming up and would sure appreciate it.
I don't know why there is such a split vote on this. I suppose the other half is the younger vote.
I want to thank Gov Blagojevich for proposing this.
-- Diane E. Carey, Bolingbrook

Enough of the Doomsday scenario; The Lawmakers in Springfield need to do the job they are being paid to do. If they can not they should not be getting paid. Just like us the working people who,( in case they forget who they are supposibly working for) would not get paid. This includes the Governor. CTA needs to get someone in the president office that has common sense. Get rid of all the incompetent clerks and assistants. Have them reapply and check their resumes to make sure they actually went to school and if they where at the top of their class. As far as getting rid of some of the bus lines. Why would you get rid of a bus line that brings in the money. EX 147,146 Express bus. Get rid of the ones who do not have many riders. As far as letting Senoirs ride free forget it. They do not pay that much to begin with.
-- James Huerkamp

Hi!! I think giving free bus and train rides to seniors is a BAD IDEA. How can our mass transit system be in trouble on one hand, but free rides are being offered on the other hand? I would go along with further reductions in the bus fare, if transfers cannot be used, as is the case on the CTA. A fare of 25 cents per ride is palatable for the CTA system. No free rides on Metra. The governor is sending a mixed message. You don't hand out freebies if you're BROKE!!
-- E. Taylor, Hyde Park

It's about time the seniors in the state got a break on public transportation. Taxes will go up regardless. --Chuck

I am 75 years old, I feel that they should charge the people that ride the buses and trains. If they can't afford the increase they should apply for a card that gives them a discount when they need to take public transportation. I live in the suburbs and I don't get free or reduced transportation costs. I either have to find someone to drive me or pay the rates.
-- L. Delmas

I think allowing seniors to ride free is a good thing but I don't think everyone in Illinois should pay for public transportation. The people that don't use it have enough problems paying for gas, car payments, insurance, plates so I think it is unfair that we have to pay our own way and then pay for public transportation too!
There is no benefit to us. Why should we have to be taxed. Unfair!!!
-- Marilyn Vicha

I guess the Governor is doing his best to increase his popularity but we see through him. I'm a senior, but I am way better off than people a lot younger than me. Let's face it, we bought our homes and cars at much cheaper rates and had wonderful pension plans. I feel sorry for those working today and trying to make a living.
-- Mary

I would rather see the free rides go to anyone who works a job at minimum wage. They, the working poor, are the ones who really need the benefit of free or reduced cost transportation. Additionally, I would like to see free or reduced rides for anyone who buys a monthly Metra ticket. The present CTA add-on pass is only good during "normal business hours", again leaving out those who have to work late into the evening (after 7:00) p.m. I know that this includes a lot of my colleagues who work retail on State Street & on Michigan Ave.
-- Danny, Winthrop Harbor, Ill.

Free rides could be offered to those who work for minimum wages or poverty stricken seniors. Many seniors have money because unlike many of the younger generation who spend, spend and never put money away for a rainy day can afford to pay for a ride on the transit systems in Illinois. To have a blanket free ride for all seniors would put an addition burden for the workers who are having a bad time supporting themselves and families. Taxes is always the solution for our politicians. How about taking a look into the whys that our transit systems can't make their payrolls. Maybe too many free rides in the past and present. I do not want any of the taxpayers to pay for my rides. I am a senior.
-- Ann

Don't like it at all.
Free rides for Seniors. I'm a Senior, and nothing is free. We are still paying for it in higher taxes.
Who should bail out the transit mess.... Riders of the transit system that is who. Heck, who is helping us with the high price of gas?
As I said, nothing is free!
-- Dave Coons

In my opinion the CTA line, like so many other entities that serve the public in the city/state of Illinois are so political/corrupted. Yes, free rides for senior citizens is a good idea but most 65 & older are no longer fully employeed, so the need for travel is much less. All the CTA officials have to do is clean up adminitration with its multiplication of jobs/titles/services. I feel that an audit would show multiple job titles with same job description. Lets not forget the highly paid ghost payrollers.
Besides some of those employees are nasty, full of attitude, talk about incompetence! They should be greatful for the job.
-- Anonymous

The governor has me shaking my head in disbelief again. What is he thinking? There are surely seniors that can benefit from free transit rides, but there are many who can well afford to pay for transportation - including my husband and myself . I hope the legislature sees this for another tricky tactic by the governor and that they veto his proposal. Some form of user increases, CTA cuts and tax help combined must be found to solve this problem. Surely our elected officials can be adult enough to come together and do the jobs they were elected to do. A disgruntled senior taxpayer from Arlington Heights.
--Vicki and Dave Robery

I think the idea is ridiculous! There are a lot of very wealthy seniors and they already get a discount on public transit fares. If one cannot afford to ride the CTA etc. there should be a way to find this out and help that individual -- not those who do not need it at the cost of the taxpayers. Our governor seems to be very good at spending money but forgets that it must come from somewhere.
--Anonymous

Ladies & Gentlemen: On the surface, Governor Blagojevich's plan for letting seniors ride free may seem laudable. However, what Governor Blagojevich is doing is engaging in a form of a Political Mr. America contest! That type of behavior is fine if you are some animal displaying yourself for the affections of a female of your species, but is only tangientially germane to the subject of attacking the problem of mass transit. It would've been better to tax gas guzzlers and perhaps, pornography, or to divert liquor taxes at large sporting events for the purpose of solving the transit crisis. 
--Jon K. Evans, Chicago


I am 81 years old and appreciate that I pay only half fare on public transportation.  That is enough of a reduction. To offer free rides is not a good idea in my opinion.
--Marilyn McClory

I think the governor is correct to do this. Taxes are necessary to fund transit.  Since taxes are more of a burden on senior citizens, it is very fair to give them free rides. I take exception to your newscasters emphasizing, in a rather sarcastic manner, that "we are paying for this."  Of course, we pay for all public services. And the newscaster who spoke demeaningly of handicapped persons "demanding" free rides, as well, also needs to rethink things--why shouldn't they get free rides?--Philip Hefner, Chicago

We would all like to ride on public transportation for free but to give one group "Senior Citizens" a free ride instead of reducing the cost of the tax increase is ridiculous. A senior family of 2 in a rural could pay an additional $30.00 a year for the tax increase and never receive a free ride.  A rural family of 4 at the povery level could spend an additional $45.00 a year, not much, but it could mean getting a perscription if someone in the family gets sick. I use the term rural family as one that lives where there is no public transportation. Then how do you police the free rides for seniors some people will use fake IDs showing they are seniors or an adult using a gray wig to make them look older if it is up to the driver or conductor. Even fake senior passes could be made just like the fake monthly rider cards were found being sold to get free rides. --Fred Miller

Seems like a harmless add on, but it sets a bad precedent (and the richest people I know are over 65!)  Instead, keep public transit affordable for all: for the working poor and for those with other transportation options, so they make the greener choice.--Mary Sebahar

I am against seniors getting free rides on mass transit!  And I am almost 62 years of age! Rod doesn't have the interests of seniors. If so, why didn't he include this initially? Another one of his antics!  I really empathize with the legislature. Just when you thought the bill would pass good ole Rod introduces a new glitch!  He really tries to make the legislature look bad and him the savior! He is definitely not a team player and he does not try to lead. Other states look at us and just shake their heads! I truly hope he will be indicted! Let him join 3 former governors.
--Annie

I think this is a great idea. Yes, taxes will go up but when has anything ever come for free. I believe our seniors are better taking public transit then driving the streets. Plus they will have less to worry about and enjoy the rest of their lives.
--Maggie Perez

I'm 53 years old, but I do not think letting seniors ride for free is a good idea. I only see it as political gymnastics by the governor. If the system is in financial distress, don't be handing out free rides! This sense of entitlement that many are encouraged to have is wrong. If you use a service, pay for it!
--Sandra Ringel

Taking a cue from the governor's past quotes - I've seen a heck of a lot better governors than Blagojevich and a heck of a lot better plans for the transit mess are out there. What's with the last minute nonsense? This showboating, braggart of a man is like a shady car dealer on Western Avenue. I can't stand him. Where does it end? Free rides for seniors will get them off the roads, maybe, but how does that solve the budget crisis. I don't think age has any bearing on whether or not you should get a free ride and I think this is a last minute "see what's up my sleeve" parlor trick shenanigans from a governor that needs to be recalled.

--Matt Dillon, Tinley Park

Russia  and China are turning capitalists and we are turning  socialists?The answer is NO.
--Anonymous

The funding is a great idea, it benefits the senior citizens and they'll be able to get around much more conveniently. As a student I was worried because the buses they were cutting would have made getting to not only mine but 4 other high schools that I know of much more complicated. I think it is a good plan and will definetely benefit us in the race to the 2016 Olympics. --Cindy

The transit bill should not contain the free transit service. Someone is going to have to pay for the free rides and where will it end. Just sign the bill as written.
--Art Gilfand

I feel that this is a great thing. I wish the tax rate would have only went up .15 percent, but as long as the transit in this region can grow, I will support the rate increase and just bite the bullet.
--Tyler Rice

I think it is terrific!
--Dolores

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