NOTE: Pace held public hearings in July on the Regional Transportation Authority’s 2025 ADA Paratransit Action Plan which proposes programmatic changes, including fare increases, for Pace’s Taxi Access Program (TAP) and Rideshare Access Program (RAP). For more information visit Public Hearings on RTA's Proposed Changes to TAP & RAP Programs.
ADA Paratransit Service
Pace is proud to provide ADA paratransit service under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA Paratransit service is available for riders with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from using other bus or train routes.
Riders must be certified by the Regional Transportation Authority to use ADA Paratransit. Service is offered during the same hours and in the same areas as Pace’s fixed-route services and operates across Chicago and the six-county region.
Pace also offers fully accessible fixed-route buses and other reservation-based services for people with disabilities. Those options are more affordable and often more convenient than ADA Paratransit.
How to Ride
- Make sure you are RTA-certified: All riders in northeastern Illinois must be certified by the RTA to use ADA Paratransit. Learn more about how to get certified.
- Make sure your pickup and drop-off points are served: ADA Paratransit services operate on the same days, at the same times, and within three-quarters of a mile of Pace’s suburban fixed bus routes in addition to the entire City of Chicago. If an area (or time of day) does not have fixed route service, there is no ADA Paratransit service in that area.
- Schedule your ride: ADA Paratransit riders must call and make a reservation the day before a trip. The phone number you call will depend on where you are traveling and one can easily find the reservation phone number for your area. Be sure to allow extra time in your scheduling to get on and off the bus. If your personal care attendant is traveling, make sure they are included in the reservation. See the explanatory video [link] on scheduling.
- Get ready to pay your fare: Customers can pay the $3.25 fare using Ventra, cash, or a Pace ADA paratransit ticket. ADA paratransit tickets can be purchased in booklets of 10 tickets for $32.50 at Pace's online store, at select retailers or through Pace's Ticket-by-Mail program.
- Take your ride. Paratransit pickups are considered on-time if they occur within 30 minutes of the scheduled time. The length of your trip may be impacted by the vehicle picking up other riders.
Helpful Tools for Riding
TripCheck: Riders can use TripCheck to easily view or cancel scheduled rides online without needing to call Pace. It’s available online, by phone, and through the Pace TripCheck app.
- TripCheck is available in English, Spanish, and Polish [links], making it even easier for riders to manage their trips. Access the TripCheck web portal or download the app on Google Play or in the Apple App Store.
- Ventra: ADA Paratransit riders can conveniently pay for their trips using the Ventra fare system. To get started, riders should load funds onto their ADA Paratransit ID card, which also functions as a Ventra card. Funds can be added at Ventra vending machines, participating retail locations, or by calling 877-669-8368. When booking a trip, simply inform the reservationist that you'll be paying with Ventra, and the fare will be deducted from your account at the time of booking. This payment method is optional and does not change the existing reservation or travel process. Click here for more information on how to set up and use your Ventra account.
Stay Informed
Want to learn more about Pace’s ADA Paratransit Service?
- Visit our ADA Rider Resources page
- Check out the latest edition of our ADA newsletter
- ADA paratransit Customer Guide
- Sign up for alerts
Pace strives to get all riders to their destinations on time. However, we know that rides can often be impacted by factors beyond our control, such as traffic or weather. Paratransit pickups are considered on-time if they occur within 30 minutes of the scheduled time. If you felt your ride was excessively long, please let us know.
Other Accessible Transportation
- Taxi Access Program (TAP)
- Rideshare Access Program (RAP)
- Fixed Route Buses (ADA certified riders travel at no cost on Pace fixed routes)
- Pace On Demand Services (ADA certified riders ride for 50% off on all On Demand service)
- Dial-a-Ride Services
