Pace will consider fare increases, reductions in services to the disabled and the elimination of as many as 17 routes-6 in Aurora alone-during public budget hearings next week in Glen Ellyn and Geneva.
Hearings are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Glen Ellyn Village Hall, 535 Duane St., and at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Kane County Government Center, 719 Batavia St., Geneva.
To balance its $96.9 million operating budget for next year, Pace has proposed raising fares for Metra commuter shuttles and for local service in Aurora and other satellite cities to $1.10 from 85 cents. Pace also is considering ending most of its Du Page County service for disabled persons and cutting $1.6 million in fixed routes.
The six Aurora routes include Route 531 Waubonsee College and the Route 534 Fox Valley Village Metra feeder. Other services at risk are the express Route 616 Chancellory Connection to Itasca, industrial park runs in Elmhurst and Metra feeders in Naperville and Warrenville.
Additionally, the proposed Pace budget calls for reducing the agency’s Dial-a-Ride subsidy to townships to $2 a ride from $2.50, possibly affecting fares and services for senior citizens.