Pace & Transit Options for Seniors in the NW Suburbs

The conversation about your parent giving up the car keys is hard enough without also trying to figure out what actually replaces driving. If you're caregiving from Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, Elk Grove, Palatine, or Rolling Meadows, there's more available than most families realize — and one major benefit changed in the last year that can make transit genuinely free for many seniors. Here's what's actually out there and how to get your parent set up.

What transit options actually exist for seniors in the Northwest suburbs?

Four main options cover most situations:

Pace fixed-route buses — regular bus routes running through the Northwest suburbs, open to everyone, reduced fare for seniors 65+
Pace ADA Paratransit — door-to-door van service for people who can't use fixed-route buses because of a disability
Pace Rideshare Access Program (RAP) — a subsidy that lets ADA-certified riders use Uber or UZURV instead of a paratransit van
Metra and CTA — commuter rail and city transit, useful for trips into Chicago or connecting suburbs

Which one fits depends mostly on whether your parent can physically get to and board a regular bus stop, or needs door-to-door pickup.

What is Pace ADA Paratransit, and does your parent qualify?

ADA Paratransit is shared-ride, door-to-door van service for people whose disability prevents them from using a regular fixed-route bus — it isn't limited to wheelchair users, and it isn't automatic just because someone is a senior. Qualification is based on ability, not age.

Coverage area is generous: service runs within three-quarters of a mile of any Pace fixed bus route, during the same days and hours that route operates, which covers most residential areas in the Northwest suburbs.

Standard fare: $3.25 per trip. A booklet of 10 ADA paratransit tickets costs $32.50, or riders can pay with a Ventra card or exact cash.

How pickups work: Reservations are made the day before the trip. Pickups count as on-time if the van arrives within 30 minutes of the scheduled time, and the ride may take longer than a direct trip because other passengers are picked up and dropped off along the way — worth knowing before your parent's first ride to a doctor's appointment.

Can ADA paratransit riders ride fixed-route buses and trains for free now?

Yes — this is the biggest change worth knowing about. Effective October 1, 2025, anyone certified for ADA Paratransit can ride CTA buses and trains, Metra trains, and Pace fixed-route buses at no cost. Existing paratransit permits were automatically converted from reduced-fare to ride-free status; no reapplication was needed.

How to use it: On CTA or Pace, tap the ADA paratransit permit card on the bus or train fare reader like a Ventra card. On Metra, show the permit card to the conductor when asked — no ticket purchase needed.

This doesn't change paratransit van fares themselves, which are still $3.25 per trip — the free-ride benefit applies specifically to fixed-route CTA, Metra, and Pace service.

A Note on the Name Change

If you've seen "RTA" your whole life and now you're seeing "NITA" (Northern Illinois Transit Authority) on signage or paperwork — that's not a typo. The Regional Transportation Authority officially became NITA in 2026. Same agency, same programs, same phone numbers in most cases, new name. Pace and Metra still operate under their own names; NITA is the umbrella agency that runs the fare programs and paratransit certification.

How to Apply for ADA Paratransit

Paratransit isn't something you sign up for at the DMV — you have to be certified, and the process takes a little patience. Here's what it actually looks like:

Confirm it's the right fit first. ADA Paratransit is for people whose disability prevents them from using regular fixed-route buses or trains — not just for anyone who finds driving difficult. If your parent can get to a bus stop and board a bus with some help, the Pace On Demand or fixed-route-free options below may cover it without the paperwork.
Get the application. Call NITA's ADA Paratransit Certification line at 312-663-HELP (4357), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., or get the application through the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) accessible transit program. A doctor, therapist, or other professional who knows your parent's condition needs to fill out part of it.
Submit it and wait for a decision. NITA reviews applications and, in some cases, schedules an in-person or phone functional assessment before approving. Build in a few weeks — apply as early as you can if there's an upcoming need.
Get the ID. Once approved, certification is honored across the six-county service area, not just Pace's territory.
Book rides in advance. Paratransit is a shared, reservation-based service — trips typically need to be booked the day before.

The part worth knowing: once certified, riders travel CTA, Metra, and Pace fixed routes completely free — no separate fare card needed.

RTA/NITA Reduced Fare Card and Ride Free Permit

Two other programs are easy to confuse:

Reduced Fare Program — Anyone 65+ (or under 65 with a qualifying disability), no income requirement. Approved riders pay about half fare on CTA, Metra, and Pace.
Ride Free Permit — For seniors 65+ who also qualify for the Illinois Department on Aging's Benefit Access Program (income-based). Riders pay nothing on fixed-route service.

How to apply for either:

Apply online through NITA's fare permit portal — a photo (smartphone selfie works) plus the documents listed once you select the program.
Or apply in person at the RTA/NITA Customer Service Center (165 N. Jefferson St., Chicago) or one of ~200 regional registration sites.
For the Ride Free Permit, enroll in the Benefit Access Program through the Illinois Department on Aging first — that's separate from the NITA application.
Questions: NITA Customer Service, 312-913-3110, weekdays 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

For more on the senior ride-free benefit, see the Senior Ride Free FAQs.

Fixed-Route vs. Paratransit vs. Reduced Fare — Who Qualifies for What

	Who it's for	Cost	How to get it
Fixed-route bus/train	Anyone who can get to a stop and board independently or with minor help	Full fare (Ventra)	No application — just ride
RTA/NITA Reduced Fare	Age 65+, or under 65 with a qualifying disability	~50% off fare	Apply online or in person with ID
RTA/NITA Ride Free Permit	Age 65+ AND enrolled in Benefit Access Program	Free	Enroll in Benefit Access Program first, then apply
ADA Paratransit	Disability prevents use of fixed-route transit	Small co-pay per ride	Certification application, ~weeks to process
ADA-certified riders on fixed-route	Anyone already ADA Paratransit certified	Free	Automatic once certified

Pace On Demand — Door-to-Door Booking in the Northwest Suburbs

For parents in Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Palatine, or Mount Prospect: Pace runs an On Demand shared-ride service across exactly this area — no certification or application required.

How it works: Book online or by phone at least 10 minutes ahead; a shared van picks up and drops off anywhere within the service zone.
Where it goes: local downtowns, Randhurst Mall, Harper College, Fremd High School, Metra stations, the Northwest Transportation Center, and Northwest Community Hospital.
Cost: $2.00 (Ventra) / $2.25 (cash) regular; $1.00 (Ventra) / $1.10 (cash) with a Reduced Fare or Ride Free permit.
Book it: 224-803-9277, or reserve online through Pace's On Demand reservation site.

For a parent who's stopped driving but doesn't need paratransit-level support, this is often the simplest option.

What is NITA, and why did the name change?

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) — the agency that has overseen CTA, Metra, and Pace for decades — has become the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) as part of a broader state transit reorganization that took effect in 2026. If you see "NITA" on a certification letter, permit card, or the nita.illinois.gov website instead of "RTA," it's the same agency and the same services — just a new name and expanded authority over regional transit planning and funding. ADA paratransit certification, permits, and the fare programs described here are all still valid; they just now run through NITA instead of RTA.

What other free or discounted rides are available?

Pace Rideshare Access Program (RAP). For NITA-certified ADA paratransit riders, RAP lets your parent use Uber or UZURV instead of a paratransit van. Pace subsidizes the fare up to $30 per trip (riders pay the first $3.25, matching the paratransit fare), for up to 30 rides a month — increasing to 40 rides a month starting July 2026. It's a good option when a paratransit reservation's next-day booking window doesn't work for a same-day need. Enroll through the RAP form on Pace's website; approval takes about two weeks, and you'll need an active Uber or UZURV account and current ADA certification not expiring within 3 months. Contact: RAP@PaceBus.com.

Illinois Benefit Access Program. Separate from ADA paratransit, this state program gives income-eligible seniors 65+ free rides on regular public transit, without requiring a disability certification. It's the right option for a parent who can still ride a regular bus but is on a fixed income — see our 2026 benefit numbers guide for the exact income limits and how to apply.

Pace fixed-route senior fare. Seniors 65+ ride Pace fixed-route buses at a reduced fare even without ADA certification or Benefit Access enrollment — ask about the reduced-fare Ventra card option if your parent doesn't qualify for either free-ride program yet.

Costs, hours, and eligibility rules shown here reflect the most recently published information and can change. Verify current details directly with NITA (nita.illinois.gov) or Pace (pacebus.com) before your parent relies on a specific program.

How do you actually get your parent certified for ADA Paratransit?

Call NITA's ADA Paratransit Certification line at 312-663-HELP (4357), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. This first call is a screening conversation, and you'll receive a flyer with self-screening questions.
Schedule the in-person interview. Bring photo ID. Staff will ask about your parent’s ability to use regular buses and trains, and may do a roughly 30-minute physical assessment of travel ability. Free transportation to this appointment is available if needed.
Wait up to 21 days for a certification decision. If 21 days pass with no decision, provisional service begins automatically.
Get the permit. Approved applicants receive a Certification Letter, a Customer Guide, and a NITA ADA Paratransit Permit ID Card — the same card used for both paratransit rides and free fixed-route rides.

Recertification later on is simpler: a 30-minute phone interview instead of another in-person visit.

Transit setup checklist

Decide whether your parent needs door-to-door ADA Paratransit or can use regular fixed-route buses
Call 312-663-HELP to start ADA Paratransit certification if needed
Bring photo ID to the in-person interview and ask about assistance getting there
Once certified, confirm the permit card works for free rides on CTA, Metra, and Pace fixed-route service
If your parent needs occasional same-day rides, enroll in the Rideshare Access Program as a backup to scheduled paratransit
If your parent doesn't need ADA certification but is income-eligible, apply for the Benefit Access Program instead
Save NITA's certification line (312-663-HELP) and Pace's RAP contact (RAP@PaceBus.com) in your phone

Rules for transit benefits and paratransit certification vary by individual situation and can change over time. This is general information — verify current details directly with Pace or NITA before applying, and consider contacting your local Area Agency on Aging if you need help navigating the process.

FAQ

Do ADA paratransit riders really ride CTA, Metra, and Pace for free now?

Yes. Since October 1, 2025, anyone certified for ADA Paratransit rides fixed-route CTA, Metra, and Pace service at no cost by tapping or showing their permit card. Paratransit van rides themselves still cost $3.25 per trip.

Does my parent need a disability to get free transit rides?

Not necessarily. ADA Paratransit certification (which unlocks free fixed-route rides) is based on functional ability, not just age. Seniors who don't need paratransit but are on a limited income may instead qualify for free rides through the Illinois Benefit Access Program, which has no disability requirement.

What is the Rideshare Access Program and is it worth it?

It's a Pace-subsidized option letting ADA-certified riders use Uber or UZURV for trips, paying just the $3.25 paratransit-equivalent fare for up to $30 of ride value. It's useful for same-day trips that don't fit paratransit's next-day booking requirement, up to 30 rides a month (40 starting July 2026).

Where do I sign my parent up for ADA Paratransit certification?

Call NITA's ADA Paratransit Certification line at 312-663-HELP (4357), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Is ADA Paratransit the same as the Reduced Fare or Ride Free program?

No. Reduced Fare and Ride Free are about the cost of riding regular buses and trains. ADA Paratransit is a separate, certified door-to-door service for people who can't use fixed-route transit at all, even with a lower fare. Many people qualify for more than one program at once.

How long does ADA Paratransit certification take?

There's no fixed timeline, but plan for several weeks between submitting the application and getting a decision, especially if NITA schedules a functional assessment. Apply as early as possible if your parent has an upcoming need.

Does my parent need a special Ventra card for the Reduced Fare Program?

They'll get a permit or card tied to their Ventra account after approval — it's what a bus driver or train reader checks to apply the discount. It's separate from a regular senior discount card some municipalities issue for other services.

Is Pace On Demand available outside Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Mount Prospect?

Pace runs similar On Demand zones in other parts of the suburbs, but the coverage area and phone number differ by zone. Check pacebus.com or call the number for your specific area before booking.

What if my parent's paratransit application gets denied?

There's an appeals process through NITA. If your parent's mobility limitations are situational rather than permanent, ask about temporary or conditional eligibility instead of a denial appeal.

Does the "RTA to NITA" name change affect any of these programs or phone numbers?

No — it's a rebrand of the regional agency, not a change to how paratransit, Reduced Fare, or Ride Free work. If you find an old form or page still branded "RTA," the information is still current; just note that new materials will say NITA.