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View Poll Results: Free ride for seniors - what are your opinions?
I'm over 65!!! Thank you, Roddy!!! Now, let's ride!!! 0 0%
Long live socialism! Should be the case everywhere! Next - free healthcare! 3 11.54%
Election day isn't that far away. They should've waited to do a referendum. 1 3.85%
Oh, well... nothing new.. typical Chicago mob politics.. nothing we can do.. 0 0%
Buck Flagojevich 22 84.62%
Voters: 26. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 10-16-2009, 09:02 PM
 
Location: Charlotte, NC
7,041 posts, read 15,036,775 times
Reputation: 2335

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I think that you guys are being a bit harsh. Most likely, the wealthy or well-to-do seniors will not be riding the CTA. They will be in their comfortable vehicles.

I think that it is fantastic that seniors get free rides. Quite deserved, I think!
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Old 10-16-2009, 09:21 PM
 
Location: Chicago
15,586 posts, read 27,606,786 times
Reputation: 1761
Quote:
Originally Posted by chicagocubs View Post
...Most likely, the wealthy or well-to-do seniors will not be riding the CTA...
What do you mean will not? This program has been going on for quite a decent amount of time already. From all the stats I have seen Senior ridership is WAY up. You would be surprised how many people take advantage of something when it is free that would not normally pay for that often. Part of becoming wealthy is taking advantage of anything you can get for free or on the cheap.
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Old 10-16-2009, 09:55 PM
j33
 
4,626 posts, read 14,085,088 times
Reputation: 1719
In theory I like the idea of free rides for seniors, hell, in theory I support free rides for everyone, but the reality is the system is on the brink of collapse for many reasons. Until that is no longer the case, I support free rides for low income seniors and a senior discount for those who are not low income.
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Old 10-16-2009, 11:20 PM
 
Location: Charlotte, NC
7,041 posts, read 15,036,775 times
Reputation: 2335
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avengerfire View Post
What do you mean will not? This program has been going on for quite a decent amount of time already. From all the stats I have seen Senior ridership is WAY up. You would be surprised how many people take advantage of something when it is free that would not normally pay for that often. Part of becoming wealthy is taking advantage of anything you can get for free or on the cheap.
But,are we convinced that wealthy or well-to-do seniors are riding? Or, is the ridership just higher because now people can afford it?
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Old 10-16-2009, 11:43 PM
 
Location: Chicago
15,586 posts, read 27,606,786 times
Reputation: 1761
Quote:
Originally Posted by chicagocubs View Post
But,are we convinced that wealthy or well-to-do seniors are riding? Or, is the ridership just higher because now people can afford it?
Although not concrete evidence in this case I have read many articles in which seniors said to the effect: " I never used to use the buses and trains. But hey, now that it is free why not take advantage of it?"

I believe some studies have been done that can prove my claim. Hopefully I can find them.
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Old 10-16-2009, 11:47 PM
 
Location: southern california
61,288 posts, read 87,405,055 times
Reputation: 55562
everyone should pay their fair share. you cant give what you dont have. we are not in a position to do the free thing anymore.
signed
a senior
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Old 10-16-2009, 11:59 PM
 
Location: Chicagoland
4,027 posts, read 7,288,050 times
Reputation: 1333
I'm for seniors getting free rides if they make/made less that a certain amount, but not making everyone pay full price, especially low income individuals.
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Old 10-17-2009, 02:24 AM
 
3,631 posts, read 10,233,408 times
Reputation: 2039
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avengerfire View Post
Although not concrete evidence in this case I have read many articles in which seniors said to the effect: " I never used to use the buses and trains. But hey, now that it is free why not take advantage of it?"

I believe some studies have been done that can prove my claim. Hopefully I can find them.
UIC just did the study mentioned in the latest articles. I know, I work there. I don't know if it comes right down to the well to doers saying that they might as well take advantage of what's there, but i think one of the articles said that Blago's stupid power play is costing the state upwards of $112 million.

if I can get the guy who was running it to do a seminar about the study, i can give some more information, until then, i'm not really sure because i wasn't working directly on the project.
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Old 10-17-2009, 09:08 AM
 
Location: Wicker Park, Chicago
4,789 posts, read 14,743,179 times
Reputation: 1971
Rich seniors would rather drive than take the CTA. Who likes waiting for the bus when you can drive and you pay insurance for a vehicle? My aunt and mom are Sr citizen that refuse to drive a car; so free CTA helps them out a lot.

Now what if you were a Sr Citizen with only $1200 monthly Social Security? - You really appreciate free rides!
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Old 10-17-2009, 09:43 AM
 
1,325 posts, read 4,196,783 times
Reputation: 513
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avengerfire View Post
Although not concrete evidence in this case I have read many articles in which seniors said to the effect: " I never used to use the buses and trains. But hey, now that it is free why not take advantage of it?"

I believe some studies have been done that can prove my claim. Hopefully I can find them.

This may very well be true, however, I don't see how it would impact costs for CTA since these riders weren't paying previously. Only if additional equipment was necessary to handle the load (which I doubt).

The hit to CTA is those who were previously paying and are now free riders.
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