Panel puts Pace paratransit under microscope

It's been months since Pace leaders instituted a Blue Ribbon committee to examine and offer solutions to what's wrong with its paratransit service in Chicago, and it could be months before the agency acts on its recommendations, some say.

The panel, which includes paratransit customers, advocates for the disabled and government officials, will issue a report today to the Pace board of directors.

Among its likely suggestions will be reconsidering the zoning system that divides Chicago into three sections, instituted by Pace to much criticism this spring, and creating separate city and suburban rider advisory boards.

Jim Watkins, a committee member who uses a wheelchair, said he was concerned about the fact the Regional Transportation Authority is auditing Pace's handling of paratransit and that could delay enacting any recommendations.

"There's no doubt this is going to take much longer than anyone thought," Watkins said.

Ray Campbell, a panel member from Glen Ellyn who is visually impaired, noted that "those of us who care about paratransit worked very hard on this report. I'd like to see as many recommendations implemented as possible."

Pace took over operating paratransit services from the Chicago Transit Authority in 2006 but took a while to come up with reforms following multiple meetings with customers.

The suburban bus company implemented the new zoning system in March, but the computer system that schedules rides crashed in the first few days causing much turmoil. Riders also complained about delays, trips that took hours and drivers who were inexperienced.