Exciting News from Pace Bus!

By Edward Madden, Coordinator of Public Outreach, Pace Suburban Bus

Pace is working hard for our riders, offering many new and expanded services and robust technological improvements!  With our commitment to innovation, we are constantly striving to provide our riders with the best transportation options possible, all while being a responsible steward of taxpayer funds.

Rideshare Access Program (RAP)

Pace Bus is excited that the new Rideshare Access Program (RAP) is off to a great start and has been well received by many RTA-certified ADA paratransit riders!

For just $2.00 eligible riders enrolled in RAP will receive $30.00 fare credit with either Uber or UZURV (the Adaptive Transportation Network Company) for trips within Pace’s ADA paratransit service area (i.e., within ¾ of a mile from any Pace or CTA fixed bus route).

Riders are responsible for any trip fare that exceeds $30.00 along with any rideshare provider surcharge applicable to the trip (e.g., advance booking surcharges) and any driver tip.

Plus, riders can take up to eight trips per day!

ADA paratransit riders are eligible to enroll in RAP if their ADA certification will not expire within the next three months and they are not enrolled in Pace’s Taxi Access Program (TAP). If so, riders will have the ability to change from TAP to RAP but will no longer be able to use TAP.

Riders will also need to have an account with Uber or UZURV. Click either Uber or UZURV for more information about each rideshare provider.

Enrollment in RAP is voluntary and riders are still able to utilize the regular ADA paratransit services. Visit Rideshare Access Program to enroll or for additional information.

TripCheck Website Portal and Mobile App

TripCheck is Pace’s tool for paratransit passengers to manage and keep track of their paratransit trips.

The TripCheck website portal allows you to view trip information, cancel trips, and opt in and out of email, text and phone call alerts. Chicago and Suburban ADA Paratransit riders, as well as users of Pace-operated Dial-a-Ride services, can use TripCheck.

In addition to the TripCheck website portal, Pace recently added a useful TripCheck mobile app for smartphones. For easier management of paratransit trips while on the go, Pace offers similar functionality to the user-friendly TripCheck website and is a new option for those who prefer using smartphone apps.

Download the new app here: Google Play (for Android) or App Store (for iPhone).

All you need to start is your TripCheck ID and password. If you do not know your TripCheck ID, please click “Retrieve TripCheck ID” located below the “Sign in” button.

Ventra on Dial-a-Ride Services

New way to pay!

As of June 17, 2024, you can pay your fare with your Ventra account for many (but not all) of Pace’s dial-a-ride, demand-response services. Visit Pace’s Dial-a-Ride Services to see if Ventra is an option for your local dial-a-ride.

There is no difference in the fare amount whether you use cash or Ventra, but paying by Ventra can save you the hassle of carrying cash. Additionally, that same Ventra account can be used to pay for rides on Pace, CTA, or Metra fixed route buses or trains. Click here for instructions on how to pay for dial-a-rides with Ventra.

If you’ve already been using Ventra to pay for ADA Paratransit rides, and you’re also eligible for other Pace dial-a-ride services, you can now pay for those other trips with Ventra too.

Free Fares on Regular Fixed Route Buses Continues

Beginning earlier this year, Pace began offering free fares on the Pace fixed-route bus system to ADA-certified customers with a valid RTA ADA Paratransit Permit ID Card.

All of Pace’s fixed route buses are fully accessible for seniors and riders with disabilities and they can connect you to train stations, schools, hospitals, jobs, and other important destinations throughout the suburbs – and don’t require a reservation to ride!

Pace’s fixed route buses feature ramps, dedicated seating areas, audio and visual stop announcements, and other accessibility features.

To ensure your ride is free, DON’T tap your ADA Paratransit card on the Ventra reader. Simply SHOW your card to the driver when you board.

Pace On Demand, ADA Paratransit, Taxi Access Program (TAP) and Rideshare Access Program (RAP) trips are not included in the free fare program.

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For more information about all of Pace transportation services, please visit Pacebus.com and Pacebus.com/riders-disabilities.

Edward Madden is the Coordinator of Public Outreach for Pace Suburban Bus and one of JJ’s List’s Hop on the Bus to Independence presenters. Among his many communication responsibilities, Ed promotes the numerous transportation services that Pace offers in the 6-county Chicagoland region.