Pace Bus - Accessible Fixed Route Bus Service

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Accessible Fixed Route Bus Service

ALL FIXED-ROUTE SERVICE IS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE.
Pace is committed to providing efficient, reliable accessible transit services to the residents of the six county northeast region.

To obtain information regarding Pace accessible fixed route services, please contact the:

RTA Travel Information Center
Voice: 836-7000 All area codes from city or suburbs
TTY: (312) 836-4949 or (800) 439-2202
Internet: www.rtachicago.com

The RTA also provides free regional travel training upon request for persons with disabilities.

Pace will provide, upon request, passenger assistance cards for passengers that may need assistance to communicate unique requirements to Pace bus operators. Please call Pace Customer Relations at 847-364-7223 for additional information.

Accessibility Details
Announcing Stops
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires using the public address system (PA) to announce stops and routes. All Pace operators will announce routes, transfer points and major intersections, as well as any requested stops.

Fares

Reduced Fares
Passengers who are eligible for ADA Paratransit Services are automatically eligible to use Pace fixed route services at half the regular fare. For passengers who travel with an attendant, the attendant will also be eligible for the reduced fare for accompanied trips on fixed route services. In both cases, the ADA Paratransit Services ID card or RTA Reduced Fare permit must be shown to the operator.

The RTA Reduced Fare Permit enables senior citizens (65 and older) and qualified persons with disabilities to ride all RTA services at a reduced rate. For information on how to apply for an RTA Reduced Fare Permit, please call 836-7000 (all area codes) or 1-800-439-2202 (TTY).

Handling Fares or Fare Cards
Operators may assist with fares or fare cards for passengers with disabilities upon request.

Exact Fares are Required
Please have your exact fare ready and in a convenient location if assistance is needed when boarding the bus. Operators cannot make change.

Transfers
Pace provides transfers at an additional cost when transferring to other Pace and CTA services and should be requested from the operator upon boarding.

Boarding / Alighting

Passengers who use mobile assistive devices will be boarded and alighted prior to boarding and alighting other passengers.

Operators will assist passengers boarding and alighting upon request.

Operators will kneel (lower) the bus, deploy the ramp or lift at bus stops, if requested.

Extra caution and assistance may be required at locations where there is no curb on which to deploy the ramp or where the stop or pathway is inaccessible.

Back-Up Policy
If there is a lift failure or service interruption and the next bus is scheduled to arrive within thirty (30) minutes, a back-up van is optional. If the wait is over thirty (30) minutes, a back-up lift or ramp equipped vehicle will be dispatched.

In all cases, the operator is required to contact the dispatcher and wait until the dispatcher's instructions have been relayed to the waiting passenger.

In the event of an emergency involving Pace fixed route service, please call the Pace or contractor's garage that operates the service first. The garage phone number is on the schedule. If you are unable to reach the garage or require TTY, call the RTA Travel Information Center at: 836-7000 (voice), no area code is required, or 1-800-439-2202 (TTY). Ask to speak to a supervisor, who will contact Pace emergency staff.

Securement
Mobile assistive devices must be properly secured. Operators have been trained in the proper use of the securement systems. Optional lap belts and shoulder harnesses will be offered for your use. If you have concerns regarding the securement of your mobile assistive device, please contact Pace Customer Relations at 847-364-PACE(7223).

Priority Seating/Securement Area
A priority seating area is designated at the front of the bus for seniors and riders with disabilities. A designated seating area is also available on the bus for users of mobile assistive devices. If other passengers are using these seats, please let the operator know and the operator will politely ask them to move.

Service Animals
Persons with disabilities who use service animals are allowed to board with their service animals. A service animal is an animal that has been individually trained to assist a person with a disability.

Prohibited Behavior
NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED ON THE BUS.

With the exception of passengers who may require water or a snack for health reasons, no eating or drinking is allowed on the bus.