RTA grant will keep Will County paratransit service moving along

     At today’s meeting of the Will County Board, members passed a resolution advancing county efforts to seek funding from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to continue paratransit services for residents in eastern Will County. The county is seeking $248,000 to fund this program.

     “My administration has worked for many years to provide this important service to local residents,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh.  “Through our partnership with Pace Bus Service we have improved transit options for the residents in eastern Will County. Wendie Garlich, our mobility manager, has done a great job ensuring these services are accessible and reliable for our residents who depend on them.”

     In 2016, Will County provided 7,425 trips. More than 1,750 of these trips were transportation for disabled residents to jobs, school, and workshops. The remaining trips were transportation for senior citizens to medical appointments, such as dialysis and physical therapy.

     This service was created based upon the completion of the 2010 Coordinated Paratransit Study that examined paratransit needs and services available in Eastern Will County. This effort involved a number of stakeholders that partnered together to devise a plan that would improve public transit options throughout all of Will County.  The study included specific steps the County and its local partners could take to expand and improve transit services in this region.  Since this study, a regular meeting of the Paratransit Coordinating Committee led by the County Executive’s office has continued its work on transit coordination.

     More information about Will County’s “Will-Ride” program can be found on the county’s website: www.willcountyillinois.com under the “Will-Ride” tab at the bottom of the home page.