Story posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Local PACE Bus Routes Facing Elimination
Two bus routes that bring riders to the Rosemont CTA station are facing the chopping block as PACE suburban bus considers fare increases and proposed elimination and service reduction of certain routes.
The two routes that may be eliminated are Route 637, which transports riders from Wood Dale to the Rosemont station on River Road on weekdays as well as Route 223, which brings riders to Rosemont form Elk Grove Village on Sundays.
PACE is proposing reducing or eliminating service on 51 of its suburban routes due to a lack of riders and the economic squeeze. A public hearing was held on the proposals Monday in Arlington Hts. Among those who spoke out in opposition to some of the cuts was Arlington Hts. Mayor Arlene Mulder and Harper Community College President Kenneth Ender. Besides the proposals that would affect the Rosemont CTA, service cuts could also affect routes to and from Harper as well as Woodfield Shopping Center and along roadways all over Chicagoland. Also under consideration is a proposed ADA paratransit fare increase to $3.50 for suburban service and $5 for city of Chicago service and on establishing policy setting ADA fares at twice the cash fare of fixed bus routes.
Numerous other public hearings on the proposed cuts are scheduled through October.
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