Kane County wants to save Randall bus route

More bus riders on Pace Route 529 could mean fewer cars on Randall Road.

That's what Kane County Board members hope, anyway. The board's transportation committee Monday recommended chipping in $15,000 to prepare a plan to improve access to and ridership on that route, which serves Randall Road.

Officials want to prove the route -- which cash-strapped Pace has placed on the chopping block -- is worth saving. With an average of 409 riders a day, it is one of the most popular in all of Kane County. One of its busiest stops is the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles Township.

The route will be eliminated Jan. 20 unless state officials approve a transit bailout.

The Regional Transportation Authority, Pace's parent agency, would contribute $60,000 toward the $75,000 study under the proposal.

"It's a high-profile route and it deserves attention," said transportation committee member Mark Davoust, a St. Charles Republican.

Route 529 provides service between Montgomery and St. Charles, stopping at Hollywood Casino, the Illinois Department of Public Aid, Provena Mercy Center, Delnor-Community Hospital, Geneva Commons and Meijer, among other locations.