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New shuttle bus planned for Vernon Hills seniors

Seniors in Vernon Hills will be getting a fresh set of wheels with the pending replacement of the village shuttle that provides free rides in and around town.

With about 143,000 miles on it, the 2007 Ford passenger van the village has been using still has some life. But with the van facing repairs that would put it out of service for a time, officials decided a new one would be the best option.

"It was supposed to be replaced two years ago," said David Brown, public works director/village engineer.

Bids are being assembled to determine the type and specific features to be sought, but the replacement cost is expected to be about $55,000, according to Brown. The shuttle replacement was approved in the 2014-15 budget that ended this past May 1, and funds are available.

"We have a replacement fund reserve," he said. "We put a little aside every year."

The Vernon Hills senior shuttle provides reserved rides in and around town daily between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at no cost to Vernon Hills residents 55 and over. The village has offered the free resident service for many years.

The current van carries about 12 passengers, and some days it is exclusively for medical appointments and shopping, Brown said.

The village considered leasing a bus from PACE, the suburban bus service. But that would require the village to make the service available to the general public rather than residents only and would require a second bus to meet demand, Brown said.

Given the expected cost and the fact that funds are available, his recommendation to the village board was to replace the existing shuttle.

That option "will greatly increase the reliability of the program" and reduce down time as the current vehicle requires frequent repairs, he said. When it is unavailable for repairs, a standard van is used and challenges some riders' physical abilities, he said.

Along with two fixed-route services from Westfield Hawthorn shopping center south to Niles (Route 272) and north to Gurnee (Route 572), PACE provides rides to portions of Vernon Hills and Mundelein to residents who call (224) 735-8678.

Vernon and Libertyville townships also provide weekday dial-a-ride services, but 24-hour advance notice is required.

Residents south of Route 60 can call (847) 634-4600 and those north of Route 60 should call (800) 201-6446 for information and reservations. Half-price coupons for taxi service for Vernon Township resident also are available at (847) 634-4600.

Details on all the services are available by visiting village resources under the helpful links tab of village government at www.vernonhills.org or PACE at www.pace.com.

@dhmickzawislak

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