06/30/06
The Chicago Transit Authority reminds its customers who use paratransit services that beginning July 1, 2006, Pace will assume responsibility for all paratransit services in the
six-county region. The CTA, like Metra, will provide only mainline transit service.
Customers who use paratransit services will continue to have access to the three types of paratransit services CTA previously provided: Special Services (reserved van transportation); Taxi Access (cab service paid with vouchers purchased at special rates) and Mobility Direct (providing subscription cab service for people whose trips are repetitive, such as going to a job or school).
Paratransit customers who wish to schedule Special Service trips will continue to call1-800-606-1282 or call the carriers directly.
Pace will continue to honor CTA paratransit fare policies maintaining the current $1.75 paratransit fare through
December 31, 2006, for one-way Special Services, TAP and Mobility Direct trips. Pace currently charges $3 for paratransit services in Cook and DuPage counties and $2.50 in Lake, McHenry, Kane and Will counties.
Also beginning on July 1, Pace will sell TAP vouchers at the
24-hour, accessible Currency Exchange located at 777 N. LaSalle. Vouchers will continue to be available at Chicago Department on Aging centers and by mail. Monthly paratransit passes also will be available at the Currency Exchange location and by mail. Customers will no longer be able to purchase TAP vouchers at CTA headquarters.
The transfer of services is the result of an amendment to the RTA Act approved by the General Assembly in June 2005 which placed responsibility for the funding, financial oversight and coordination of all paratransit services with the Regional Transportation Authority effective July 1, 2006. The amendment also directed CTA to work with the RTA and Pace to develop a plan to transition paratransit service delivery to Pace.
Over the past year, the agencies worked to reach an agreement; sharing and transferring the necessary documents, information, records and computer systems needed for a smooth transition of CTA paratransit services to Pace.
CTA will continue its commitment to expanding travel options on its bus and rail system for customers with disabilities. All 151 CTA bus routes are accessible to customers with disabilities. The CTA continues to rehabilitate and rebuild its rail stations to make them accessible. Currently, 72 out of 144 stations on the rail system are accessible and all trains have accessible cars.
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