Ride in Kane program receives additional funding and a new Pace Bus to support services for residents
KANE COUNTY — Since the beginning of 2022, the Ride in Kane public paratransit program has provided rides for 18,675 residents.
The program serves people 65 and over, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents, according to the Kane County Government.
As of current, the program provides 24/7 transportation to qualified residents for a cash fare of $5 for the first 10 miles of a trip. The service works in partnership with Pace Suburban Bus, local municipalities, townships, and social service agencies.
On May 31, Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog accepted a check for $200,000 from Pace to supplement the Ride in Kane program.
The funds received are in addition to a 15% increase in Pace’s 2022 subsidy of Ride in Kane funding, said the Kane County Government.
Of the rides requested in Kane County in 2022, 42% were for work, 42% were for medical purposes, and 16% were for community access.
During a ceremony where various Kane County representatives were in attendance to accept the check from Pace, Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke commended Kane County, “for the great partnership and providing transportation to residents.”
Pierog followed up on Schielke’s statement by adding, “The numbers clearly indicate that the program is lowering the transportation barriers thousands of Kane County residents face while trying to earn a living or see the doctor.”
Apart from presenting Kane County with their funds, Pace also brought their first electric bus for county board members to tour.
“This is the first step into our era of electrification and zero emissions. From our city centers to suburban and rural communities, we will do our part to improve air quality for those we serve,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.
Ride in Kane is coordinated through the Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT).
“Kane County has long been an advocate of public transportation and their partnership helps Pace create an innovative, efficient, regional mobility network that would not be possible without collaboration,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski.
The 16 participating Ride in Kane sponsors include: the Association for Individual Development, Aurora Township, City of Batavia and Batavia Township, Blackberry Township, Campton Township, Dundee Township, City of Elgin and Elgin Township, City of Geneva, City of St. Charles and St. Charles Township, Hesed House, Village of South Elgin, Kane County, and Pace.
These participating sponsors have supported the program and continue to pledge their 50% local funding match required as program sponsors.
“The contribution from Pace will go a long way to maintain the service for all who benefit from it,” said Pierog.
To learn more about the program, individuals can visit kdot.countyofkane.org/RIK and Pace Suburban Bus.
