CTA/METRA/PACE-FREE SERVICES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Hoan Huynh

Raises the income limit for free fixed-route transit to 105% of the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act, expanding free rides for 65+ in Chicago.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Purpose / Intent

HB 3196 amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act to expand eligibility for free fixed‑route public transit in the Chicago metropolitan region. The bill changes income eligibility language so that more senior citizens (age 65 and older) qualify for complimentary rides on CTA, Suburban Bus (Pace), and Commuter Rail (Metra) services.

Key provisions

Amends provisions governing free and reduced fare services in:

the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act (70 ILCS 3605/51) and
the Regional Transportation Authority Act (70 ILCS 3615/3A.15 and 3B.14).

Makes fixed‑route public transportation services provided by, or under grant/purchase‑of‑service contracts of, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Suburban Bus Board (Pace), and Commuter Rail Board (Metra) free of charge for senior citizens aged 65+ whose income:

does not exceed 105% of the income eligibility limitation set forth in subsection (a‑5) of Section 4 of the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act.
(This replaces prior language that limited eligibility to seniors who “meet” that income limitation.)

Retains boards’ authority to prescribe conditions for providing free service and reiterates that these provisions do not relieve the boards of reduced‑fare obligations required by federal law.

Continues role for the Department on Aging to furnish information reasonably necessary to determine eligibility (including updated lists) and references identity/residency verification (government‑issued ID).

Requires CTA to partner with the City of Chicago to provide reduced fares (not free) for youth/young adult (ages 14–24) employment and internship program participants.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Illinois residents aged 65+ in the Chicago metropolitan region who meet the revised (higher) income threshold — i.e., up to 105% of the property‑tax‑relief Act limit.

Transit agencies: CTA, Suburban Bus Board (Pace), Commuter Rail Board (Metra) — which would deliver more free trips and set administrative procedures.

Department on Aging: provides eligibility data for boards.

Potential indirect effects on fare revenue and budgeting for transit operators and any state reimbursement obligations.

Implementation & fiscal notes

The bill alters eligibility criteria rather than specifying new program start dates; existing statutory deadlines cited in the sections are historical.

The bill text and legislative cover note indicate it may create a State Mandates Act reimbursement obligation — i.e., potential state reimbursement to local transit authorities for mandated costs, though no dollar amounts are specified.

Actual fiscal impact depends on the number of additional seniors who become eligible and usage patterns.

Procedural status (selected)

Introduced: February 18–21, 2025 (Rep. Hoan Huynh).

Passed the Illinois House: May 13, 2025.

Received by Senate: May 14, 2025; read first time and referred to Economic Development (May 21, 2025).

Currently listed as Rule 19(a) / re‑referred to Rules Committee.

Companion bill: SB 1483.

If enacted, HB 3196 would modestly expand the income threshold for free transit rides for seniors, increasing access to fare‑free public transport for lower‑to‑moderate income older adults in the Chicago region.

Bill