The McHenry Township Board initially voted in June to eliminate bus services for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, but was reported to have been considering reversing their decision following a state-led investigation against the organization.
Township Supervisor Craig Adams told WBBMRadio.com that the Illinois Attorney General’s Office had began investigating if the board’s decision violates the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The board was expected to have a referendum certified for next election in order to gather voters’ opinions on if the bus service should continue or not.
Adams explained how the Senior Express Bus Service services those requiring additional assistance during their commutes. The 14,000 rides per year are able to go “door to door," pulling into a person’s driveway and helping riders enter and exit the buses if needed. The buses can also give those with limited access to doctor visits, grocery stores, recreation centers and other local areas.
Adams also said the township leases five buses from Pace for $100 a month, receiving an estimated $50,000 in grants and roughly $200,000 annually from taxpayers to keep the service running. The township is responsible for maintenance of any bus.
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