Nicole Murphy Reporter/Producer

2:29 a.m. CST, February 26, 2010
MOLINE, Illinois—
Across the State of Illinois, the days of free bus and train rides could be coming to a halt. On Thursday, the Illinois House overwhelmingly approved a measure to withdraw the perk for better-off seniors.

Free rides will still be offered to residents whose maximum income is between $27,600 and $36,600 for a two-person household. Those who have to pay will only pay half price. MetroLink says the Quad Cities has given more than 150,000 rides to seniors who are taking advantage of the program since it started in March 2008 by former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Despite this move by the state, MetroLink officials say it's still an affordable way for seniors to get around the Quad Cities.

Chicago's Transit Agencies say ending the freebies could generate $37 million for their cash-strapped services. But, Garrity says it will have minimal impact in the QCA since almost 70% of that amount will be going to the windy city. The Senate must still approve the legislation and Governor Pat Quinn would have to sign it before it becomes law.