Ride in Kane program ready to fly

Program to fill gaps in public transportation
By Josh Stockinger

Daily Herald Staff
January 26, 2008

Kane County's elderly, disabled and low-income residents soon will need only to pick up the phone for around-the-clock transportation across the county.

Officials announced Friday the long-awaited startup of the Ride in Kane public transportation program is set to launch Feb. 15.

Community leaders said they expect the new service to bridge gaps in existing public transportation and generally make for a more consistent and inclusive system geared toward the region's most disadvantaged.

"This changes everything," said Darlene Marcusson, executive director of the Lazarus House homeless shelter in St. Charles.

The program is being funded by $2.4 million in federal grants and $1.7 million from local social service agencies and governments.

It works like this:

Eligible riders dial a toll-free number at least four hours prior to needing transportation within the county, or to some adjacent areas. Deployed through a central dispatch center, taxis, buses and other vehicles then provide the curb-to-curb service. Riders pay $3 for the first 10 miles of each trip, and $1.50 for each additional mile.

The first appointments will be taken Feb. 15, with rides starting the next day. Participating service agencies and sponsors will help determine who is eligible.

"This is a service that really goes to people who need it the most, and that's what I feel best about," said Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke, who envisions the system helping residents get to doctor appointments and jobs.

"Ride in Kane offers a bold step forward (that will) open new worlds and expand horizons for many of our residents," Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay added.

On Friday, officials also touted teamwork behind the program, which was five years in the making and involved dozens of municipalities and agencies. Extra praise was heaped upon Lynn O'Shea, of the Association for Individual Development, for leading the charge.

"This is a tremendous demonstration of what a few people who are committed to a goal can do," Elgin Mayor Ed Schock said.

To reach Ride in Kane, call (888) 480-8549.