Paratransit service is the general term for a reservation-based or "demand-response" service in which a passenger must reserve a ride in advance. Unlike fixed-route service, in which buses travel the same route in a regular pattern and pick up any waiting passengers, paratransit vehicles make only pre-arranged trips for riders who are eligible for the particular service. There are several different types of paratransit service, listed below.
Paratransit Services
Pace also operates a fixed route system, which is entirely accessible to people with disabilities. For senior citizens and people with disabilities, fixed route is a less expensive way to get around the community and gives people the freedom to travel without arranging a ride in advance. The Regional Transportation Authority offers a training program for those who wish to learn how to ride fixed route.
Dial-a-Ride
There are dozens of Pace Dial-a-Ride programs throughout the suburbs. In most cases, Pace has a financial partnership with a city or township to pay for and operate the service. Dial-a-Ride programs have different rules on fares, geographic boundaries and passenger eligibility.
Check the directory for the rules in your area and for the phone number to call for a reservation.
ADA Paratransit
This paratransit service is required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and is provided for customers whose disability or health condition prevents them from using CTA and/or Pace fixed route services for some or all of their travel. Only persons who are certified by the Regional Transportation Authority are eligible to ride ADA Paratransit. Trips are only provided at the same times and within the same geographic areas as fixed route. Pace operates this service across the entire six-county region, including Chicago.
To apply for ADA Paratransit, visit RTA's ADA Paratransit Certification program or call the RTA at 312-663-HELP (4357) between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to request an application. Applications are available in regular or large print English, Spanish, in Braille, on CD, or on audiotape.
See this page for more information, how-to guides, and helpful information about ADA Paratransit. Once certified for ADA paratransit, the number you call for a reservation depends on where you are traveling. See the directory of reservation phone numbers.
Paratransit riders will soon be able to pay for rides through Ventra. While you're not required to use that method, this new option benefits you by no longer requiring you to carry exact change or buy paper tickets. Learn how to get your account set up here.
Transferring to/from Paratransit
To transfer between paratransit services (including dial-a-ride) and fixed route buses, riders need to use Transfer Vouchers. See the
for details on getting and using that voucher.
On Demand
This service is similar to Dial-a-Ride, except that everyone is eligible to ride and passengers need to call to reserve a trip up to 7 days in advance and as little as ten minutes prior to the pick-up time. The fare for this service is the same as Pace's fixed route service and riders use the Ventra fare payment system.
See the On Demand page for a more detailed description of this service.
Accessible fixed routes at no cost!
As mentioned above, Pace's fixed route system is entirely accessible to people with disabilities. Passengers who are eligible for ADA Paratransit Services are automatically eligible to use Pace fixed route buses at no cost - along with the freedom and convenience to travel without arranging a ride in advance.
For passengers who travel with an attendant, the attendant will also be eligible to ride free for accompanied trips on fixed route services. In both cases, the ADA Paratransit Services ID card must be shown to the operator.
Free Rides on Pace Fixed Routes for ADA Certified Riders!
As of February 19, 2024, ADA Paratransit riders with disabilities who are certified for ADA Paratransit by the RTA can ride for free on Pace fixed route buses.
Did you know that all of Pace’s fixed route buses are fully accessible for seniors and riders with disabilities? These routes can connect you to train stations, schools, hospitals, jobs, and other important destinations throughout the suburbs, and don’t require a reservation to ride.
Pace’s fixed route buses feature ramps, dedicated seating areas, audio and visual stop announcements, and other accessibility features. Certified ADA Paratransit customers can now ride these fixed route buses for free!
PLEASE NOTE: To ensure your ride is free, DON’T tap your ADA Paratransit card on the Ventra reader. Simply SHOW your card to the driver when you board.
Pace On Demand, Pace Connect, ADA Paratransit, Taxi Access Program (TAP) and DuPage Uber trips are not included in the free fare program.
Also, this free fare program does not cover CTA or Metra; however, ADA certified riders can still ride CTA, Metra and Pace's On Demand services at a reduced rate.
Please note that a rider’s eligibility for ADA Paratransit will not change due to taking advantage of the free and convenient rides on fixed route buses.
Reduced Fares on Pace, CTA & Metra (for non-ADA riders)
The RTA Reduced Fare Permit enables seniors 65 and older, people with disabilities who are not ADA paratransit certified and individuals with a valid Medicare card to ride Pace, CTA, and Metra at a reduced rate. For information on how to apply for an RTA Reduced Fare Permit, visit RTA or call 836-7000 (all area codes).
In fact, for those seniors and people with disabilities who are enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging's Benefit Access Program, trips on CTA and Metra are free too! Visit the Benefit Access website for instructions in how to enroll in the Benefit Access Program.
The Regional Transportation Authority offers a mobility education program for those who wish to learn how to ride fixed route.
