HUNTLEY – Residents of Huntley now have the ability to participate in a ride-sharing program, as the village has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the McHenry County Dial-A-Ride program called MCRide.
The service is a partnership between McHenry County, Pace Suburban Bus, the townships of Greenwood, Dorr and McHenry, and the towns of McHenry, Woodstock, and Crystal Lake.
It would allow residents to commute within the limits of the village and to participating communities within McHenry County.
Grafton Township, which previously provided transportation services to the village, determined it was no longer feasible for them to provide the services outside the area, according to Lisa Armour, assistant village manager for Huntley.
As the village started to look for other options, county staff approached them about the program and to gauge whether Huntley was available and interested in the program.
“It provides a good option for those without a car or are unable to get around as needed,” Armour said.
Scott Hennings, principal transportation planner at McHenry County, said rather than a bus, those interested in the service would call a number and the vehicle comes to the designated pick-up spot—even to where the individual lives.
The ride’s cost is $2 for the general public, $1 for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and $.25 extra for each mile after the first five miles.
The program begins March 2. To enroll in the program, or sign up for a ride, Hennings said individuals should call 800-451-4599. There, they will be prompted to register for the program, which, he said, takes about two minutes. This only occurs during the first phone call.
Once registered, trips can be scheduled the day before or up to seven days before a trip.
“We recommend that people call the day before as early as you can,” Hennings said. “The operator who takes the call will get the essentials, such as where you live and where you want to go.”
The day-before policy, Hennings said, is due to the possibility that the buses may be full. While the potential exists that a same-day phone call and ride can be fulfilled, it is not a guarantee.
“If you do call the morning of, it’s possible the buses are already filled. We just say it’s safe to call the day before,” Hennings said.
The agreement runs through the end of November, partially because there are a lot of entities involved in the program. Armour said the village will revisit the agreement later this year.
