An estimated 275,000 low-income individuals with disabilities will be able to ride public transit for free, under legislation signed into law Tuesday.

The new benefit comes on the heels of the January launch of a similar program allowing senior citizens to ride buses for free.

Areas affected by the legislation include Bloomington-Normal, Decatur, the Quad Cities, the Metro East and Chicago. The new law doesn't affect areas that aren't served by fixed-route bus systems.

People wishing to take part in the free transit benefit must enroll in the state Circuit Breaker program in order to be eligible. A single person cannot earn more than $22,218, while a two-person household is limited to $29,480.

Individuals with disabilities who are not eligible for Circuit Breaker will still be eligible for reduced fare, half-price transit rides as provided under current law.

"This new law will make the daily lives of individuals with disabilities easier by limiting the burden of transportation costs," said state Sen. Susan Garrett, a Lake Forest Republican who sponsored the legislation.

The free ride programs for seniors and low-income disabled residents will allow an estimated 1.6 Illinoisans to ride fixed-route transit for free, said Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The legislation is Senate Bill 1920