RTA
There is a Reduced Fare and Free options and can be used on Metra, PACE, and Chicago’s CTA systems. Young adults attending the Transition Center typically are approved for the Free transportation.
Individuals who receive SSI can be approved in around 48 Hours after the application is submitted. Those who don’t receive SSI can expect the application to take 2-4 months, and sometimes longer.
An RTA card also allows an individual to enroll in Dial A Ride. Dial A Ride currently runs from 8am-4pm Monday-Friday within a set boundary. All rides are $3 and a companion can join (extra fee may be applicable). A trip must be scheduled within 1-2 days prior and only cash is accepted. Availability is not guaranteed if all buses are being used to serve others. Pick up and drop off times are determined based on need and location.
RTA application is online (hover over Benefit Access, click Benefit Access Online Application). The website is the Illinois Department on Aging, but all Benefit Access RTA applications are filed out through this link.
You will need a front and back copy of a State ID, SSI income letter or Zero Income letter, and a Schedule A form (if the young adult does NOT receive SSI) completed and signed by a doctor.
Paratransit
Provides door-to-door subsidized taxi transportation for income eligible DuPage County residents. It is primarily used for visits to medical facilities and government offices within the County limits. Lift equipped vehicles are available.
To apply,
call 312-663-HELP (4357) between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday to request an application. There is a formal interview and possible additional steps.
Ride DuPage
Offered for individuals through the DuPage County Human Services Department. Individuals must contact the DuPage County Human Services for eligibility and to schedule a ride. Call 630-407-6500 to register.
Service is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
First Transit
If your young adult has Medicaid then they are eligible to receive free transportation to and from medical appointments. After registering for the service via phone (1-877-725-0569), the family will choose a local provider for transportation. Use the link below to request a trip.
There is no cost to the family, a companion is allowed to join the individual, trips can cross city lines, and individuals can use providers with wheelchair lift capabilities.
If the individual requires a wheelchair for mobility, the following form needs to be completed every 6 months by a doctor (the expiration date MUST be filled in 6 months out or the form is only valid for a single trip).
Ride Share
Ride sharing companies (like Uber- free app) are available in the suburbs and will transport at any time (pending ride availability). Uber Assist offers riders the option for special assistance (help getting into/out of vehicle, driver understands the individual has a disability). Rideshare apps are called on demand or can be scheduled ahead of time, are directly connected to a debit or credit card for cashless payment, shows rider history, trip notifications and tracking can be shared with trusted contacts for safety, are not restricted by boundaries lines, and cost is often lower than traditional taxi fares.
Check out the link for more information
