At its Feb. 8 meeting, the Lake County Board approved a resolution finalizing the terms and conditions for the operation of Ride Lake County, a new countywide paratransit service. 

Ride Lake County will provide borderless countywide paratransit service, meaning seniors age 60+ and people with disabilities can get transportation to any area of Lake County for work, shopping, medical appointments, and more.

“We are incredibly excited to launch a countywide borderless service that will provide reliable transportation for our seniors and people with mobility restrictions,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “Beginning May 1, eligible residents can schedule a trip to or from anywhere in Lake County through Pace’s Call Center. We know this will be a welcome improvement for the people who rely on public transportation in Lake County.”

The new Ride Lake County service is anticipated to begin on May 1, 2022. Riders will call a dedicated number to schedule trips in advance. All Ride Lake County vehicles are wheelchair accessible and provide curb-to-curb service from your desired pick up and drop off locations.

The service will run from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week, excluding holidays. One-way fare costs will vary between $2.00 and $6.00 depending on how far you travel. Additional information regarding the service including how to sign up, a riders guide, and more will be made available in the coming weeks on Lake County’s website at lakecountyil.gov/RLC.

Since the mid-2000s, Lake County along with communities, townships and transit partners have been evaluating and working to enhance paratransit options. In 2005, the Lake County Coordinated Transportation Services Committee (LCCTSC) was created to facilitate the implementation of public transportation, with an enhanced emphasis on paratransit service.

“Ride Lake County completely streamlines paratransit services in our community,” said Bill Durkin, Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee Chair. “I thank Pace, the LCCTSC, townships, local municipalities, our transit partners, and the local community for their tireless work for more than a decade on this important issue.”

In 2019, Lake County completed a paratransit market study that garnered input from residents and a dedicated group of stakeholders to identify strategies to improve service in Lake County. The new Ride Lake County service is the culmination of these efforts from the community. 

“The challenges presented by the current paratransit system in Lake County has been a topic of discussion for many years,” said Kathleen O’Connor, LCCTSC Chair. “The geographic limitations, the multiple fare structures, and the various service parameters has been a source of confusion for residents. Ride Lake County addresses these issues by offering one coordinated countywide service, and it is a wonderful example on how partnerships can lead to a more efficient use of public dollars and the streamlining of services for the benefit of our entire community.” 

Ride Lake County is sponsored by Lake County and Pace Suburban Bus. The service is funded in part by grants from the Regional Transportation Authority. Local matching funds for these federal grants are provided by Lake County. 

For additional information about Ride Lake County, visit lakecountyil.gov/RLC.