Bill > SB1388

This bill amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act to establish a new requirement for free public transit rides for low-income individuals. Specifically, by December 31, 2025, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and its Service Boards must create a program providing free rides to people earning less than 138% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' poverty guidelines. The bill also mandates that the Authority provide the Department of Public Health with a monthly list of free and reduced fare riders, including personal details such as name, address, and date of birth. The Department of Public Health will then review this list and report back to the Authority about any riders who are deceased, requiring the Authority to remove those individuals from the eligible list. This program aims to improve transit accessibility for low-income residents, with the implementation set to begin on July 1, 2025. The bill represents an effort to reduce transportation costs for economically vulnerable populations in the region served by the Regional Transportation Authority.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1388&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104