Elk Grove Township Marks 50 Years Of Providing Transportation Services

The Elk Grove Township Transportation Department celebrates a milestone this year — its 50th year of bringing mobility and independence to senior and disabled residents. Medical appointments, grocery stores, senior centers and varied errands are easier to get to year-round, thanks to the Township bus service and the TRIP Program. The Transportation Department currently provides 4,000 rides per year.

If you’re not familiar with our Township bus service, here’s what you need to know:

• The Township bus service for senior and disabled residents — age 55 and older for seniors; 18 and older for the disabled — offers three lift-equipped buses to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, canes, shopping carts, etc.
• Rides within the Township are free of charge for registered residents and provide curb-to-curb service.
• Reservations will be accepted up to two weeks prior to a scheduled appointment and service hours for the bus are Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments must be scheduled to start between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., with all appointments finished by 3 p.m.

The Township Riders Initiative Program (TRIP), in partnership with PACE, was created for residents 60 years of age and older who need to travel outside of the Township for medical appointments.

This is a shared program between the Townships of Elk Grove, Hanover, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Wheeling, although locations of travel are limited. The TRIP service area includes: Barrington, Palatine, Hanover, Schaumburg, Maine, and Wheeling Townships, along with some Veterans Affairs facilities and hospitals in downtown Chicago.

Here’s what you need to know about TRIP:

• The cost for this program is $5 for each Township border crossed, with a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $10 each way.
• One caregiver or service animal is allowed to accompany the rider, at no additional charge.
• Reservations are required at least three days prior to the appointment date, but no more than seven days ahead of time. Service hours for the TRIP program are Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“As we commemorate this milestone anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to this invaluable service,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “Here’s to another 50 years of enhancing the lives of our residents and connecting communities through our Transportation Department!”

To use either of these transportation services, individuals must be residents of Elk Grove Township, provide a copy of their State ID or driver's license, and fill out the application form found here: https://elkgrovetownship.com/senior-disabled-transportation/.

If you or someone you know is choosing to age in place at home, consider the Elk Grove Township Transportation Department! To make an appointment for the Township buses or TRIP Program, please call 224-265-6115.