Hope for solution to paratransit problems

"Bear with us," urges Pace Chairman Richard Kwasneski.

These are familiar words for people with grievances against an institution, but they are not hollow. They imply recognition that a problem exists and a promise to address it.

That certainly seems to be the case with Pace management as it struggles to deal with complications that have emerged as it takes over the city paratransit system from the Chicago Transit Authority, adding to the suburban paratransit system it already operated.

Paratransit operations serve individuals who most desperately need a safe, reliable public transportation system -- disabled passengers who have no other alternatives.

Computer problems and scheduling adjustments this year have wreaked havoc with the system. Disabled passengers have pleaded and protested for change, telling stories of incompetent drivers, unacceptably long trips and failed pickups.

In mid-May, Pace's executive director, T.J. Ross acknowledged the problems and said he felt "the system is stabilizing." He promised that Pace is riding hard on the three companies it has employed to operate the system. Last week, Kwasneski urged patience and stressed that the problems will not be solved overnight.

He is right about that, of course. The "blue ribbon" panel Pace set up last week to recommend solutions is not going to complete a complicated task in a week. Even if all its recommendations are approved and implemented, it will take time before their effect begins to show in better travel times and more knowledgeable drivers.

But that doesn't take Pace off the hook, nor does it absolve the agency of a responsibility to address what it can while it waits for the committee's report. Most important, it doesn't diminish the urgency of dealing with the problems.

Too often, government creates work committees that shift the heat away from government leaders but lead to long periods of talk and not much action. The membership of Pace's panel appears to defy this model. It includes Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth and critic Darlene Hale, whose disabled son uses Pace's services. So, the committee has both clout and motivation.

But its report isn't due until December. That's far enough away to be both reassuring -- in the sense that the committee will have time to thoroughly research the problems and solutions -- and worrisome -- if the report isn't filed until December, how much longer will it take to implement its suggestions?

Yes, it's important that riders "bear with" Pace as it completes the transition to taking over the paratransit system. But, as critic and system user Ayo Maat observed last week, users are "in the middle of a crisis now."

It's important that Pace continue to address the situation as a crisis and implement the processes that can immediately make the system more responsive and reliable.