Transportation Options

VERNON TOWNSHIP 50 / 50 TAXI PROGRAM

Currently the only transportation option offered by Vernon Township is a reduced-price taxi coupon program for Seniors and Disabled residents.

Our 50/50 Taxi program offers coupons that are purchased for $1.50 with a coupon value of $3.00. Coupons are sold in $15 increments and limited to $75 per household, per month, and are used only with American Taxi Company. The coupons may be used for transportation within the Chicagoland area with the exception of transportation to and from any airports. Purchase of these coupons is by check or cash only.

First time users must prove residency with a valid state identification card or driver's license. Additionally, users must prove residency annually.

For more information regarding the 50/50 Taxi Program, please contact the Township at 847-634-6060 or 847-634-4600.

dial A RIDE bus service


Beginning May 1st, 2022, Vernon Township's Dial-a-Ride will no longer be in service, as it is being replaced by a county-wide service called Ride Lake County 

Ride Lake County is a borderless countywide paratransit service that provides seniors age 60+ and people with disabilities transportation to any area of Lake County for work, shopping, medical appointments and more.

As a dial-a-ride program, vehicles do not travel in a fixed route each day. Riders schedule their trips in advance and the vehicles provide curb-to-curb service from the rider's desired pick-up and drop-off destinations. Ride Lake County is a shared-ride service, so vehicles may make stops for other passengers.

This is a service coordinated and run by Lake County and Pace Suburban Bus. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either the Pace Call Center at 1-800-201-6446, the Lake County Division of Transportation at 847-377-7400, or visit the Lake County web page regarding Ride Lake County here: Ride Lake County Information

Scheduling a RidE

Residents can call the Pace Call Center at 1-800-201-6446 daily between 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to book a trip.

Riders can schedule a trip any day of the week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the exception of certain holidays. Riders can reserve a trip as far as seven days in advance or as little as two hours in advance. 

Fare Structure

Ride Lake County has a flat rare with distance tiers structure meaning the cost of the trip depends on the length of the trip.
Ride Distance 0 to 5 mi 5 to 10 mi over 10 mi
Cost $2.00 $4.00 $6.00

REgistration

Before scheduling their first ride, residents must register through Pace by calling their call center at 1-800-201-6446. Residents can register as either a senior (60+) or as an individual with a disability:

  • The Pace Call Center will ask for birthdate information for residents registering as a senior. 
  • The Pace Call Center will ask for an *RTA Reduced Fare Permit number for residents registering as an individual with a disability 

REgistering as an individual with a disability

For riders registering as an individual with a disability, Ride Lake County is using the Reduced Fare Permit to verify the status of an individual’s disability to determine eligibility. Riders registering as an individual with a disability can either provide proof of disability benefits or have their doctor fill out a proof of disability form to obtain the Reduced Fare Permit. 

Riders can apply for the Reduced Fare Permit in the following ways: 

  • Online at fares.rtachicago.org 
  • In-person at one of the RTA’s local offices. Please call 312-913-3110 to find the RTA office located nearest to you to fill out an application. Additionally, you can call this number and request an application to be mailed to your residence 
  • By mail by downloading an application from the RTA website and mailing to the address listed on the application

Boundaries of Service

Riders can book a trip anywhere within the service area if either the pick-up or drop-off location is within Lake County. The service area includes the entirety of municipalities that extend beyond the Lake County border. See below for a service area map.

Vernon Township Welcomes New GoGo Senior Ride Program

Vernon Township is proud to offer a new transportation service to its older adult residents.  The GoGo Senior Ride Program is offered through a community service partnership with Southeast Lake County Faith in Action, a local non-profit that has been serving adults since 2003.

The GoGo Senior Ride Program provides free, Uber rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping and even quality of life visits like the beauty shop or health club.  Residents are limited to one ride per week except for therapy appointments (two rides per week).  To qualify for the GoGo Senior Ride Program, residents must be 65 years and older or disabled.  Riders must also be able to travel safely without assistance.  If there are concerns, riders must bring along a caregiver, family member, or friend. 

Please take advantage of this wonderful new transportation service by calling Faith in Action at 847-721-8414 to register and schedule an appointment.