YORKVILLE – Kendall County is seeking a $12 million state grant to construct a new facility to house its on-demand transit service.

Kendall Area Transit operates 17 vehicles serving residents of the county, with a priority on providing mobility for seniors and those who are disabled.

The Kendall County Board has authorized the administration to apply for the grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation to construct a building that will serve as transit agency’s headquarters, dispatch center, maintenance garage and vehicle storage facility.

County board members approved the authorization for the transit agency, known as KAT, at their Dec. 7 meeting.

Currently, KAT operates its vehicles from three locations in Yorkville, including the Kendall County Highway Department on Route 47, the old courthouse parking lot downtown and the Kendall County Government Center campus on John Street.

County Administrator Scott Koeppel said the county is still considering alternatives for a location to build the new KAT facility.

Demand for the transit service has grown considerably, Koeppel said, adding that the non-profit KAT receives operating funds from local municipalities, the Regional Transportation Authority and federal grants.

Koeppel said the transit service is vital for seniors and disabled persons who need to make trips for medical appointments, banking and other day-to-day business.

KAT charges a minimal $3 fare for a one-way trip, curb-to-curb. For destinations outside of the county, an additional $2 fee is charged. Seniors 60 and older receive $1 off all fares. General trips may be reserved no more than six days and no less than 2 days in advance.

Medical trips may be scheduled up to two weeks in advance but no less than two days before the trip.

The scheduling gives priority to those with disabilities and to seniors.

In order to participate in the Kendall Area Transit program, one must become a registered rider. More information is available by calling Kendall Area Transit at 1-877-IGO-4KAT (1-877-446-4528).