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County staff weigh move to a universal Ride & Cane program; funding questions remain
Summary
Kane County staff told the Transportation Committee that Pace has proposed a move to a single, countywide Ride & Cane dial‑a‑ride sponsor; the proposal could simplify rider experience but may increase operating costs and requires additional funding and sponsor buy‑in.
Kane County planning staff told the Transportation Committee on June 17 that Pace has proposed consolidating the county’s Ride & Cane dial‑a‑ride service into a single, countywide program with one set of trip parameters and one sponsor.
Planning staff said the program currently has 18 sponsors with differing trip parameters, which creates administrative complexity and rider confusion at the Pace call center. For 2025, Pace substantially increased its subsidy for the program — staff said Pace is funding 50% of operating costs for this year and asked the county to consider becoming the single sponsor to create uniform rules and a single trip parameter set. The county would continue to seek 5310 (RTA/FTA) funds as part of the funding mix.
Staff emphasized they were not asking the committee to approve any change and that discussions remain preliminary. There are roughly 10,000 riders in the county and about 5,000 trips per month under the current program, staff said. Several local sponsors — including larger programs such as Aurora Senior Services — have concerns because they allow a broader array of trip purposes and depend on existing arrangements.
Committee members recommended county staff convene sponsor communities to explore a uniform approach; staff said funding uncertainty at service boards and the RTA means the county cannot proceed until funding commitments are clearer.
