It'll be easier to hop on the bus in Grant Township

In a deal described as too good to turn down, Grant Township is ready to launch a new PACE bus service for residents in need of affordable transportation.

The bus is available for senior citizens, people with disabilities and low-income families to ride within a 20-mile radius of the township facility on 26725 W. Molidor Road, Supervisor Kay Starostovic said.

"That means the bus can travel as far as Gurnee and Libertyville for people who have doctor appointments there," she said. "It was such a great deal that we just couldn't pass it up."

The 2007, 10-seat bus cost the township only $1,000 down and $100 per month. She added the township have to pay for gas and upkeep, and it was required to sign a five-year lease for the bus.

It will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a $2 charge per person each way, she said, to offset the operating expense.

"We are planning on putting in a schedule of sorts where the bus will head to Condell (Medical Center in Libertyville) one day, then to Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry one day, to help out the seniors who need to go to the doctor," she said. "We are also looking for and applying for grants to offset the cost of operating the bus five days a week, rather than just three days."

The township does not want to duplicate routes in other communities.

"Basically, if the Fox Lake shuttle service goes to Dominick's or Jewel for groceries, then there's no reason why we should follow the same route," she said. "But, there are plenty of places to go in the township that other buses do not go."

The township will host a meeting at the township hall Tuesday at 10 a.m. to show the bus off to residents.

"We are very happy to have this bus now," she said. "It's just another way for residents in need of transportation in the township to get around."

For more information about the bus, call Grant Township at (847) 740-2233.