County Board allocates $500K for lighting and sidewalks projects on 91st Street

In the heart of DuPage County, the Transportation Committee convened on June 3, 2025, to address pressing financial concerns surrounding local transit services. As committee members gathered, the atmosphere was charged with urgency, particularly regarding the budget for the PACE transportation program, which has seen a significant uptick in usage.

Initially, the committee had earmarked $100,000 for the program's operations. However, as discussions unfolded, it became clear that the funds were quickly dwindling. By the end of the first quarter, invoices from PACE had already reached $67,000, prompting committee members to seek additional revenue sources to sustain the service for the remainder of the year.

One committee member raised a critical observation: while enrollment numbers had not dramatically increased from January to March, the number of trips taken had surged. This indicated that existing users were utilizing the service more frequently, with projections suggesting that up to 60% of enrollees would be active users in the coming months. The committee noted that around 100 individuals were currently benefiting from the program, highlighting its growing importance in the community.

In addition to the transportation budget discussions, the committee also touched on infrastructure improvements. In December 2023, the county board had allocated $500,000 from surplus funds for the construction of lighting and sidewalks along 91st Street, aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility in the neighborhood.

As the meeting concluded, the committee was left with the pressing task of securing additional funding to ensure the continued success of the PACE program, which has become a vital resource for many residents. The discussions underscored the importance of responsive planning and community support in navigating the challenges of public transportation in DuPage County.