Kane County’s Ride in Kane program has expanded to specifically target those 65 years old and older and those with disabilities needing to get to work.
More Top Picks How To Keep A Migraine Diary That Actually Helps
Kane County was already sponsoring individuals who are low income and seeking work-related rides from anywhere in the county.
The expansion provides 24-hour a day, seven days a week transportation to area residents for a low fare, as part of a partnership with the Regional Transit Authority, Pace suburban bus service, local municipalities and human service agencies.
Janet Harris, Ride in Kane program coordinator, said the expanded service is already available, following finalization of the program which was completed around the first of September.
Those wishing to secure a ride, Harris said, “fill out a registration form and provide an employment address.”
“The rides are done on demand. You would call Pace and schedule your ride and they will give you a set time to pick you up,” Harris said. “If you have to be at work at, say, 9 a.m., they will pick you up at 8 a.m. to make sure you’re there on time. They will pick you up at your door and we also offer a subscription. You fill out a form and let Pace know what time you’re working – say Monday through Friday – and they will pick you up at the same time and also get a reverse trip back home.”
Despite rising fuel prices, Harris said costs continue to be offset after Kane County became the program administrator and grantee for the Ride in Kane program back in January.
A press release from the program states that to date, Ride in Kane has received nearly $6 million in Federal Transit Administration funds “that are being used to reduce transportation barriers and expand mobility options to thousands of Kane County residents.”
“We’ve received those funds which are helping to defray costs,” Harris said.
Harris said the transportation group “is still working to get the word out” about the expanded program.
“We have only received five applications so far but we’re hoping to put the word out and get more registration,” Harris said.
The press release said there are three categories of residents who quality for the program.
“The categories are 65 and older, those with disabilities or low income,” Harris said.
Ride in Kane sponsors include Association for Individual Development, Aurora Township, the city of Batavia and Batavia Township, Big Rock Township, Blackberry Township, Campton Township, the city of Elgin and Elgin Township, city of Geneva, city of St. Charles and St. Charles Township, village of South Elgin, Kane County and Pace.
For more information on the program, go to the Ride in Kane website at kdot.countyofkane.org/RIK or call the Ride in Kane information line at 630-762-2600.
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.