Now that the Illinois legislature has passed a bill creating some transportation system reforms and provides for added funding sources for the regional system, we would like RTA’s decision-makers, whose recommendations are almost assuredly fulfilled by PACE, to follow through with their commitment to reconsider the drastic cuts to the RAP and TAP programs.

On October 1st, the number of one-way rides allowed per month for RAP and TAP per person were reduced from 240 to only 30. We encourage the restoration of rides per month. Since October 1st we have seen Paratransit bus problems escalate. This is happening because people have to use Paratransit buses more since a lot fewer RAP (Rideshare Access Program) and TAP (Taxi Access Program) rides are available, so an already strained Paratransit is even more so strained now. Availability during booking has decreased, pick-ups come later, rides are longer, and drivers and dispatchers are more stressed.

The disability community is calling for the number of rides per month under the RAP and TAP programs to be increased. Contact RTA at communications@rtachicago.org and submit your opinion.

 

Progress Center for Independent Living