Dupage Policy Journal

At the Dec. 19 meeting of the Batavia city council, council approved continuing a transit program for seniors. 

Council was told the program sends as many busses as needed to an area, and it allows many to continue a level of independence, going to appointments or stores or outings without much aid.

“Every day, 365 days a year or 24 hours a day, this service is available to people who do need it,” Alderman Daniel Chanzit told council. “It is a substantially discounted ride service. The current fare, it's $5 for the first ten miles of a trip and $1.50 for each additional mile over ten miles. And it's meant for people 65 and older, disabled individuals and those who have low income and qualify for the service in Kane County. It's a great service and I want to make sure we have a chance to promote it.”

Ride in Kane is a transportation program for residents of Kane County. While the most common mode of transportation for residents is by private vehicle, some who are older, disabled, or lower income and cannot operate their own car have an opportunity for door-to-door public transit through the Ride in Kane program.

The city of Batavia has had an agreement with this program, subsidizing the ride opportunity for residents. This provides a discounted rate to those who are eligible for the PACE program, with an extra 15% discounted subsidy this year because of funding through the CARES grant. The agreement will be good for the entire calendar year of 2023.

Aldermen Leah Leman and Sarah Vogelsinger were absent from the meeting.

The council will meet again at 7 p.m. on Jan. 17 at 100 North Island Ave.