Kane County to take over Ride in Kane program in January

GENEVA - Kane County will become program administrator for Ride in Kane starting in January, according to a news release.

“We really want to develop a program where we are partners in all of this,” Kane County Department of Transportation Deputy Director and Chief of Staff Tom Rickert stated in the release.

The program is geared to serve senior citizens, residents with disabilities and/or residents who are low income, and will provide transportation services 24 hour a day, seven day a week in partnership with the Regional Transit Authority, Pace Suburban Bus, local municipalities and human service agencies, the release stated.

“The Ride in Kane program has a history of delivering this much-needed service to residents 65 and over, those with disabilities and low income residents,” stated Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog. “As program administrator and sponsor, we look forward to continuing this crucial service to our residents as well as enhancing and expanding it to better meet current and future needs.”

Kane County has received nearly $6 million in Federal Transit Administration funds to serve its residents through the program.

The program has 15 participating Ride in Kane sponsors, which continue to pledge 50% local funding match required as program sponsors. Working together, these funds will reduce transportation barriers and expand mobility options to thousands of Kane County residents who qualify for the program, the release stated.

Rickert stated in the release that the partnership with current sponsors throughout the county will be even more important as the program expands to serve other areas in the future.

“We really want to develop a program where we are partners in all of this,” He stated. “We want to continue to expand service and bring new townships into the program,” he said. “It may take a year or two to start moving out west of Randall Road with some of the program aspects.”

For additional information about the Ride in Kane program, contact Ride in Kane Program Coordinator Krystal Spracklen at spracklenkrystal@co.kane.il.us or call 630-406-7388.