ADA Paratransit

Earlier this week I proposed a uniform regional paratransit fare and recommended that the Chicago Transit Board reduce from $3.50 to $3.00 the paratransit fare increase scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2006. The $3.00 fare would match the fare charged by Pace. The Governor and General Assembly amended the RTA Act earlier this year so that paratransit decisions will be made on a regional basis. Responsibility for delivery of all paratransit operations will be assumed by Pace in July 2006. In the spirit of that move, it makes sense to have a uniform regional fare.

Public transportation agencies are required under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act to provide transportation service in addition to regular rail and bus service to customers whose disability or health condition prevents them from using fixed route services for some or all of their travel. CTA currently provides paratransit service through three private contractors at a cost of over $25 per trip. In 2005, paratransit service will cost CTA over $50 million, or over 10% of our total public operating subsidy. To help offset this more costly service, federal law permits transit agencies to charge double their base fare for paratransit service.

In November 2004, the Chicago Transit Board approved an increase in paratransit fares to $3.50. That increase was subsequently delayed and rescheduled to take effect in 2006. My recommendation would implement the $3.00 fare on January 1.