2008-05-07 23:32:11 -

www.pacebus.com - Pace Patrick Wilmot, (847) 228-4225 Pace Board Chairman Richard Kwasneski is launching a Blue Ribbon panel to independently seek out operational issues affecting ADA paratransit service and recommend corrective actions. Other action items will be to provide suggestions regarding the governance and structure of Pace's ADA Committee and propose additional methods through which riders can provide feedback. The

independent committee would be comprised of leaders from the disabled community, consumers, advocates, and specialists in the provision of paratransit service.

"This committee is critical to our efforts to remain proactive in making improvements where they're needed," said Kwasneski. "We want riders to know that we're listening to what they're saying to make more improvements to the system." The panel will review Pace paratransit service in Chicago as well as the suburbs.

Invitations to serve on the committee have been sent to numerous leaders, consumers and advocates. Pace has also sought appointments from officials in Cook County and the five collar counties, as well as state leaders. A representative of the ADA committees for Pace, CTA, RTA, and Metra will also be invited to participate. To date, commitments have been received from the following:

-- Kathy Ryg, State Representative and House Paratransit Subcommittee Chair

-- Karen Tamley, Commissioner, Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities

-- Sheila Romano, Director, Illinois Council of Developmental Disabilities

-- Ann Ford, Executive Director, Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living

-- Tony Paulauski, Executive Director, ARC of Illinois

-- Lynn O'Shea, Executive Director, Association for Individual Development

-- Jim Kesteloot, President and Executive Director, Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind

-- Tony Zipple, Chief Executive Officer, Thresholds Centers

-- Tim Knapp, Executive Director, New Hope School

-- Allan Bergman, Chief Executive Officer, Anixter Center

-- Pam Heavens, Executive Director, Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living

The full list of panel members will be formally announced at the June meeting of Pace's Board of Directors, with their report and recommendations expected to be presented to the Pace Board in November.

Pace has operated paratransit service in Chicago's suburbs since the federal Americans with Disabilities Act became effective in 1993, mandating that transit agencies provide accessible dial-a-ride service to eligible persons with disabilities that compliments fixed route bus service. Pace assumed responsibility for the service in Chicago in July, 2006 following state legislation that established the suburban bus agency as the regional paratransit service provider.

Blue Ribbon panel to address service issues, provide
recommendations for improvement