City Council recently approved the replacement of the current senior and disabled residents subsidized taxi program with the Ride DuPage Program. Ride DuPage is a curb-to-curb transportation service that operates 7 days a week, 24 hours per day.  The City is participating by subsidizing transportation for residents who are seniors or disabled. The eligibility criteria for Elmhurst resident riders is identical to the City’s current program where residents must be at least 65 years of age or disabled. Disabled residents must possess a valid RTA Reduced Fare Card. The proposed fare structure will be a $2 flag pull and $1 per mile so the cost of a three mile ride would be $5.00. City staff is estimating an implementation date of the Ride DuPage program in late Fall, at which point all other programs will cease. Communication/outreach efforts of the new program will include direct mail to users of the City’s current program and additional communication efforts coordinated by the City’s Communication Manager and the Senior Citizens Commission. 

The Ride DuPage advantages over the current programs include:

• Mini buses are wheelchair accessible; curb to curb service
• Greater range of travel beyond Elmhurst and DuPage County
• High on-time percentage of 95% for taxis and buses
• One-time registration
• Pace approves all drivers
• Central call center with “live” operator
• Total trip cost is provided at time ride is scheduled

This program will be more reliable and service levels will be increased including providing a wider range of travel, a 24/7 operation, handicap accessibility, and a one-time registration.