SPRINGFIELD - A Senate panel voted 8-4 Thursday to end a program that allows senior citizens to ride buses for free.

If approved by the full Senate and House and signed into law, the proposal would go into effect March 1, about one year after the controversial idea was put in place by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Under the proposal, low-income seniors would still qualify for free rides, but all others would have to start paying again.

Supporters say wealthy seniors should have to pay for the bus rides. And, the added revenue from those fares will help close a budget gap in Chicago-area transit agencies.

Opponents, however, said the move was unfair to the elderly at a time when the federal government is bailing out major corporations.

"We gave them one little perk and now we take it away," said state Sen. Rickey Hendon, D-Chicago. "Stick it to Granny and poor little Uncle Willy."

The idea of giving seniors free bus rides was crafted by Blagojevich after he broke a campaign promise and supported a tax increase in the Chicago area to help the transit systems there.

Lawmakers eventually went along with the plan, which affected not only Chicago-area transit service, but also fixed-route bus service in places such as Bloomington.

Hendon, who is a candidate for lieutenant governor, was among those voting against the proposal.

The legislation is House Bill 1597.