Huntley dial-a-ride bus service begins Monday

Huntley residents will be able to use a new dial-a-ride bus service starting Monday.

Residents can register and participate in McHenry County's MCRide program (Dial-A-Ride). The service will be provided to all Huntley residents, including those living on the Kane County side.

The service, started in 2012, is a partnership between Pace Suburban Bus, McHenry County, the towns of Crystal Lake, Harvard, Johnsburg, Lakewood, Marengo, McHenry, Ringwood, and Woodstock, and the townships of Dorr, Greenwood, Nunda, Grafton, Marengo, and McHenry.

Riders may travel to any community included in the MCRide Program. Huntley residents must register with Pace the first time they call to set up a trip at (800) 451-4599. Seniors/disabled people can begin registering now. Registration is open to the general public Friday.

Huntley ended a temporary taxi voucher program for Sun City senior living community residents in December. The MCRide service costs Huntley roughly $48,500 yearly - $2 per resident - and would enable all residents to commute within village limits whether in Kane or McHenry counties, and to participating communities within McHenry County.

The cost of a ride through the service is $2 for the general public, $1 for seniors and people with disabilities, and 25 cents extra for each additional mile after the first five miles. The service would run 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. There is no service on Sundays.

Riders with a disability requiring a personal travel assistant can have the assistant ride for free. Up to two children 7 or younger can ride free with each fare-paying adult.

Trip reservations for the general public can be made the day before and up to an hour before the requested trip. Senior riders and people with disabilities may reserve trips between seven days in advance and up to an hour before the requested trip.

For maps and more information, visit co.mchenry.il.us.