Kane County agrees to countywide PACE paratransit funding, centralizing Ride Kane administration
Loading...
Summary
The Kane County Transportation Committee approved a funding agreement to transition Ride Kane to county administration under a PACE/RTA partnership, creating a single registration and call center and uniform trip eligibility for seniors and people with disabilities beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
The Kane County Transportation Committee on Dec. 16 approved a funding agreement with Pace and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to consolidate paratransit services countywide under the Ride Kane program and centralize administration with the county.
Heidi (planning and programming) told the committee that Pace will sponsor 50% of operating expenses and federal funds through the RTA will provide the other 50%. She said the county would receive the RTA grant, administer the program, and contract with Pace for a unified rider registration and a single call center rather than the existing multiplicity of sponsor call lines. Heidi said the change is intended to create equal access across Kane County and a more sustainable administrative structure. "Starting in 2026, Pace will take 50% sponsorship right off the top," she said, adding the program would cover work, medical and other trip types for all eligible residents.
Committee members asked about outreach and eligibility. Heidi said the county has updated brochures and a riders guide, has prepared website changes with the county's IT department, and plans distribution through townships and municipalities as well as the county newsletter. Eligibility remains age 65 or older or individuals with disabilities; under the countywide model, the types of trips eligible will be uniform across the county, removing previous disparities among local sponsors.
Heidi named Aurora Township, the city of Elgin, and the Association for Individual Development as three of the largest existing sponsors and said local sponsors voted unanimously to support the move. The committee moved, seconded and approved the resolution on roll call.
The program is scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2026, under the terms described at the meeting. The committee asked staff to circulate the presentation and the updated brochure to members and local partners.
What happens next: the county will finalize administrative steps, distribute outreach materials, and begin implementing the single registration and call center described in the agreement.
