ILLINOIS - The free ride may be over for seniors on public transit.

Illinois lawmakers are considering an end to free bus and train rides for all except the poorest seniors, effective march first. Under the plan, seniors would qualify for free rides only if they met income requirements under the state's circuit breaker program.

However, they would not have to pay full fares, because half-price rides are a federal law.
Opponents say the move runs the risk of alienating a large voting block only three months before the primary election.