The Benefit Access Ride Free Permit is a program administered by the Illinois Department of Aging. Program provides free rides on traditional, fixed routes for low-income disabled and seniors (age 65 and older). To obtain your Ride Free Permit, you must enroll with the State of Illinois to determine eligibility. Below are the steps to enroll in the program.

  1. Complete a Benefit Access Application in one of the following ways. Paper applications are not available.
    • Online application is available at cbrx.il.gov.
    • Need help with the application? Contact Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet at (815) 523-9918.
  2. Once your application is approved by the State of Illinois, call River Valley Metro to schedule an appointment to obtain your Ride Free Permit.
    • Call (815) 935-1403 to make an appointment. Metro will confirm with the State of Illinois that your application has been approved. You will need to provide the following information:
      • Legal Name (First, Middle, Last, Suffix)
      • Social Security Number
      • Date of Birth
    • Once your record is pulled up, you will need to verify the following information:
      • Mailing Address
      • Telephone #
    • Once eligibility is confirmed, an appointment will be made at the Bourbonnais Metro Centre to get your photo ID permit, unless we already have your picture on file. Walk-ins are not accepted and we cannot take care of you any sooner than your appointment, so please arrive at your appointment time. If riding the bus to the Metro Centre and you do not have a valid Ride Free Permit, you will need to pay the fare to ride the bus.
    • To get your Free Ride Pass, you will need to present a valid government issued photo ID that matches the name on the application. A photo will be taken. You cannot wear a hat, scarf or sunglasses in the photo. Your expiration date is set by the State of Illinois. Please be sure to reapply with the State at least 3 months before the expiration to ensure you have no lapse in service.
    • If your Ride Free Permit is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement. The fee for your first replacement is $5.00, any other replacements will cost $10.00. Abuse or excessive replacements could result in Metro denying a replacement.