Transportation Assistance Provided by Elk Grove Township for Seniors and Disabled
Elk Grove Township is proud to offer bus and taxi services for senior citizens and disabled adults. Both types of transportation offer curb-to-curb service, and provide a safe, friendly and efficient way for residents to attend medical or other appointments, in addition to shopping trips.
"We are privileged to be able to offer these valuable services to our senior and disabled residents," said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. "Helping these individuals to get to where they need to go - whether it be a doctor's appointment or even a trip to the grocery store - assists them in maintaining their independence."
Elk Grove Township owns and maintains its own fleet of buses; lifts are available for passengers who use wheelchairs, and for those who have difficulty navigating steps.
Through the Township Rider Initiative Program (TRIP), Township buses can transport residents only to medical services/appointments located outside of Elk Grove Township. Those who utilize this program must be 60 years of age and older, or 18 and older and have a permanent disability. Disabled riders who qualify are required to have a service animal, a caregiver, or an attendant to assist them during trips-because bus drivers are unable to leave to the vehicle at any time. The maximum cost for a one-way trip is $10.00 through this program.
In addition to TRIP, Elk Grove Township offers regular bus services, also known as DIAL-A-BUS, which is available to seniors who are 55 and older, Monday through Friday between 930 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Bus trips can either be medically-related or can also include transportation to beauty or barber shop appointments, grocery stores or other shopping, senior citizen centers, and other locations depending on the day of the week. Dialysis and doctor appointments always take precedence when scheduling, and all trips must be reserved at least one day in advance. While there is no cost for this service, monetary donations are accepted to help defray the cost to the Township.
Taxi services are additionally provided through a partnership with 303 Taxi based in Mount Prospect. Seniors who can take advantage of the taxi program must be 55 years of age or older, and are not required to provide a physician's approval to utilize this service. Residents who are disabled and 18 years of age or older can also use taxis through the Township, but must provide documentation stating they are developmentally disabled, ADA certified, or have an extreme mental illness. Approved taxi riders are provided with 10 vouchers per month valued at $5.00 each; only one $5 voucher can be used per one-way trip. Vouchers are valid for one year from the date of issue.
In order to qualify for transportation services, potential riders must fill out an application form that provides proof of residency, age and emergency contact information. The online application for bus and taxi services can be found under their appropriate headings at elkgrovetownship.com/senior/.
For more information or to schedule a pick up, please call the Township at 847-437-0300.