CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Adopt the resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the 2026 Pace Paratransit Local Share Agreement for the operation of the Ride DuPage Program
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Jazmin Vega, Project Manager - Transportation
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The City of Naperville partners with Naperville, Lisle, and Wheatland Townships (collectively known as the Lisle/Naperville Transportation Partners) and Pace Suburban Bus to provide Ride DuPage in our area. The Ride DuPage program provides transportation services for seniors and persons with disabilities. The program uses both taxis and Pace’s ADA accessible vehicles to provide curb-to-curb transportation services 24 hours a day, seven days a week
The Ride DuPage program began in August 2004. In March 2008, the Ride DuPage to Work program was added as a sub-program designed to provide reduced fares for seniors and persons with disabilities to travel to and from work. The Lisle/Naperville Transportation Partners provide the Ride DuPage to Work Program with the City of Wheaton and the Village of Glen Ellyn. Federal grant funding provides 50% reimbursement to local agencies for operating costs. The City of Naperville serves as the grant administrator on behalf of all partners and currently expending a federal grant awarded in 2023, which is projected to provide sufficient funding through 2026.
DISCUSSION:
The 2026 Pace Paratransit Local Share Agreement for the Ride DuPage Program provides an estimate of total program costs and corresponding Lisle/Naperville Transportation Partners contributions. The remaining program costs are funded through a combination of program revenue, grant support, and Pace subsidy. Cost estimates are prepared by Pace’s accounting department, and the anticipated grant reimbursement is incorporated into the estimate (See Exhibit B of the agreement). As a result, program expenditures will exceed the total local share cost estimate prepared by Pace. The cost difference will be offset through reimbursement by the Regional Transportation Authority on eligible trips through the Section 5310 grant funding.
In 2026 the City’s estimated total local share estimate accounts for 52% of the partnership contributions and 100% of City of Naperville residents also residing in DuPage Township, which is billed by mileage of the trips. This is consistent with 2025 local funding share.
A signed agreement is a requirement to receive the federal Section 5310 grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The CY26 General Fund budget includes $345,000 for the Ride DuPage Program.