Dial-A-Ride Services Set For Upgrades In Will County's New Plan

WILL COUNTY — Will County officials have put in place measures to bring more structure, expanded access and cost uniformity to dial-a-ride services countywide.

Titled the Access Will County Plan, it outlines strategies for standardized improvements across the county's 12 dial-a-ride and paratransit services, which primarily serve seniors and people with disabilities.

The plan—approved at the Will County Board's Dec. 19 meeting—outlines short- and long-term goals to improving these services, including streamlining the registration process, increasing performance metrics, expanding service areas and hours, standardizing eligibility, and developing a unified fare structure, county officials said in a release. The plan also includes the study’s recommendation that the county take steps to move towards a consolidated dial-a-ride system, which would align with all other counties in the Chicagoland region

"With an adopted plan now in place, Will County is taking a leadership role in creating access to reliable transportation in all of our communities," said County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. "This plan was the result of many months of collaboration between county and local leaders aimed at improving our dial-a-ride systems for those who rely on them, especially seniors and people with disabilities. I appreciate the board members who voted to support this plan, which will improve mobility, independence and quality of life for its users."

The plan was drafted after a study examined the 12 dial-a-ride systems operating within Will County and identified a variety of gaps and barriers for residents who require mobility assistance, officials said. The study found that many residents face challenges when attempting to access dial-a-ride services, including complicated registration processes, disjointed eligibility requirements, and varying hours of operation, policies, and fare requirements.

Will County has already acted on short-term goals outlined in the plan, including the expansion of dial-a-ride services into southwest Will County in August 2024, officials said. Overseen by the Will County Executive Office and operated by Pace Suburban Bus, the expansion included six new townships that previously did not have a service available for residents: Custer, Florence, Reed, Wesley, Wilmington, and Wilton. Access Will County Dial-a-Ride offers curb-to-curb transportation with flexible routes and scheduling for residents in southwest and eastern Will County.

"The need for a consistent dial-a-ride system in our community has been apparent for years and we are pleased with the results of its first six months of operation in Wilmington," said Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz. "Now that this program is implemented, it has provided our residents with access to jobs, human services, and basic living needs. The City is fortunate to have a great collaborative partnership with Will County and Pace who help us bring necessary services such as dial-a-ride to Wilmington."

Since expanding in August, the Access Will County Dial-a-Ride service has seen a spike in usage, with ridership returning to pre-pandemic levels. By the end of 2024, nearly 11,000 rides will have been delivered to residents, which is the second highest year of ridership in the program’s history.

"These are popular services and are increasingly in high-demand," said Bertino-Tarrant. "I look forward to continuing to work with local partners to expand availability and access to dial-a-ride transportation options."

To read the full plan, visit www.willcountyillinois.org/access.