Dial-a-ride service expands to Fox River Grove, adds Sunday hours
An expanded service area and increased fares are among the dial-a-ride program changes McHenry County has rolled out in the new year.
MCRide is now providing curb-to-curb transportation in Fox River Grove, including portions of the municipality that extend into Lake County, according to the McHenry County Division of Transportation. It also began offering Sunday rides from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., filling a "big gap" for customers who depend on the service, senior planner Susan Borucki said.
"The MCRide dial-a-ride program continues to expand in order to address a growing need for transportation among the county's transit-dependent population: those who cannot drive or do not have access to an automobile or other transit service," she said.
The program allows passengers to choose their desired pickup and drop-off locations within the 20 municipalities and townships that partner with the county.
Fox River Grove officials approached the county last year asking to join, Borucki said. The partnership will cost the village $6,068 for 2019.
MCRide vehicles also transport riders to and from designated "point destinations" outside the program's general service area, county officials said. Three new sites were added to that list Jan. 1: Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, and the PADS Day Center in Woodstock.
Other "point destinations" include conservation areas, a Lake in the Hills park-and-ride lot, the Valley Hi Nursing Home, and stores in Lakemoor and Island Lake.
Additionally, the program's base fare - which covers the first five miles - has increased from $2.50 to $3 for the general public, and $1.25 to $1.50 for people with disabilities or seniors 60 and older.
Longer trips will continue to cost 25 cents per additional mile. Up to two children ages 7 and younger can travel for free with an adult.
Passengers can schedule trips by calling the Pace Call Center at (800) 451-4559. Rides can be scheduled up to 24 hours in advance, or a week ahead of time for seniors and people with disabilities, according to the Division of Transportation.
The service is available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, excluding holidays.