Pace is committed to providing accessible transportation services, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equitable access to public transit. A key aspect of this commitment is the active engagement of the community through ADA Advisory Committees and supportive programs like the Paratransit Late Trip Reimbursement Program. These initiatives demonstrate Pace’s dedication to improving the transportation experience for all riders, especially those relying on ADA services.
Pace ADA Advisory Committees: Shaping Accessible Transportation
Pace values the input of its riders and has established two ADA Advisory Committees to directly advise the Pace Board of Directors. These committees focus specifically on issues concerning accessible services, encompassing both fixed route services and paratransit options. To ensure diverse representation, one committee is composed of residents from Chicago, while the other includes residents from the surrounding suburban areas.
Each committee consists of up to fifteen dedicated members who meet on a quarterly basis, typically in February, May, August, and November. These meetings serve as a platform for open discussion and collaboration, allowing committee members to voice their experiences, provide valuable feedback, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of Ada Transportation services at Pace.
For more detailed information regarding the activities and membership of these vital groups, please visit the ADA Advisory Committees page.
Alt text: Individuals using wheelchairs are safely boarding a Pace bus utilizing the accessible ramp, highlighting Pace’s commitment to ADA transportation.
Pace Paratransit Late Trip Reimbursement Program: Ensuring Reliable ADA Transportation
Recognizing the importance of punctuality in paratransit services, Pace offers the ADA Paratransit Late Trip Reimbursement Program. This program is designed to compensate riders for significant delays in pick-up times, reinforcing Pace’s commitment to reliable and timely ADA transportation.
According to the program, a pick-up is considered excessively late if it occurs 60 minutes or more beyond the scheduled 30-minute on-time pick-up window, applicable both within Chicago and the suburban regions. While passengers are required to pay their fare at the time of the trip, as is standard procedure, Pace meticulously tracks all excessively late pick-ups throughout each quarter.
At the conclusion of each three-month period, Pace calculates the instances of late pick-ups and automatically issues a one-ride ticket to each affected rider for every late trip experienced. These reimbursement tickets are sent out the following month, accompanied by a notification letter specifying the date(s) of the late trip(s). For example, late trips occurring between January and March 2021 were processed, and reimbursement tickets were dispatched in April 2021.
It is crucial to ensure that your mailing address on file with the RTA is current to guarantee timely receipt of your reimbursement tickets. Maintaining an accurate mailing address with the RTA is essential for seamless communication and ensures you receive all important updates and reimbursements related to your ADA transportation services.
