Pace launches call-n-ride in Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows

Pace launched a new call-n-ride service for Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows residents on Monday, company officials said.

The Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows call-n-ride is a reservation-based, shared-ride service that picks up passengers and takes them to any destination within the fixed boundaries, Steve Andrews, Pace community relations representative, told the Arlington Heights village board on Monday.

The call-n-ride costs $1.75 per one-way ride and exact fare is required, according to Pace. Passengers can also request transfers to and from PACE fixed routes for $0.25. Because the call-n-ride is not a fixed route service, there are no reduced fares or free rides for seniors.

Passengers need to call (224) 803-9277 at least one hour in advance of their pickup time. Reservations and calls are accepted between 6:10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

All rides must be within the service area that is bordered by Euclid Avenue to the north, Arlington Heights Road on the east, Golf Road and I-90 on the south, and Highway 53 to the west.

“A big part of this is getting people to and from the Metra station to free up some valuable parking spots,” Andrews said. Once per hour the vehicle will stop at the Arlington Heights Metra station.

“(Monday) was Day 1, and we’re confident it’s going to be a successful service,” Andrews said.

The Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows program is the sixth such call-n-ride program started by Pace in the past several years.

Andrews said that as the program is developed it may be expanded to account for new developments, such as Arlington Downs.

“It’s innovative and it’s the kind of thing that may be altered as the residents have demands,” said Village President Arlene Mulder. “That’s what’s great about Pace — they’re so flexible.”