McHenry County, IL
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What is Connect?
Connect is a new on-demand, user-side subsidy program using transportation network companies, like Uber and UZURV, to provide an affordable transportation option for eligible residents in McHenry County. Connect will subsidize trips throughout the six-county Chicagoland region, so long as the origin or destination is in McHenry County.
It is only available for McHenry County residents who have an RTA Reduced Fare, Ride Free or ADA Paratransit Permit Card. Connect helps by subsidizing rides through electronic vouchers that can be applied to Uber and UZURV rides.
Who is eligible to enroll in Connect?
Riders are eligible to enroll in Connect if:
- They have an RTA Reduced Fare or Ride Free Permit Card (see below for how to register);
- They have an account with Uber or UZURV, with a valid credit card attached;
- They are a McHenry County resident.
How does Connect work?
Eligible riders enrolled in Connect will pay the first $4.00 of the cost of a trip taken with Uber or UZURV so long as the origin or destination of the trip is within McHenry County. McHenry County will subsidize the cost of the trip after the first $4.00 and not exceeding $20.00(maximum $16.00 County Subsidy). Eligible riders will also be responsible for paying:
- any portion of the cost of the trip that exceeds $20.00;
- any rideshare provider surcharge applicable to the trip (e.g., advance booking surcharge);
- and any driver tip.
McHenry County will subsidize no more than eight trips per day for each eligible rider enrolled in Connect.
How do I register for a Reduced Fare or Ride Free Permit from the RTA?
Visit the RTA’s website (Fair Transit Access | Regional Transportation Authority (rtachicago.org) to learn more about the Reduced Fare and Ride Free Program and register for a permit online. RTA Discounted Fare or Ride Free Fare will not apply to Connect. RTA Permit ID requirements are used to confirm program eligibility
Alternatively, you can visit the following locations to register in person:
- Senior Services Associates of Crystal Lake
- Nunda Township
- Senior Services Associates of McHenry
- Soar@Dorr
How do eligible RTA-certified riders request enrollment?
To request enrollment, complete the Connect Enrollment Form below in its entirety and submit. Your enrollment form will be reviewed, and riders will receive approval via email from McHenry County Division of Transportation.
Please allow an additional 7-10 business days for the subsidy to be made available in the enrollee’s rideshare provider account to apply to the cost of a trip at the time of booking. You will receive an email from Pace Suburban Bus and/or your chosen TNC (Uber or UZURV)
Questions regarding Connect should be sent to mcrideconnect@mchenrycountyil.gov.
*Please submit only one enrollment form per enrollee.
Resubmitting an Enrollment Form after RTA Permit Expiration
If your RTA permit has expired after you have been enrolled, you are responsible for resubmitting an enrollment form. You must have an active and unexpired RTA permit to be eligible for Connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions About Connect, Answered.
I have submitted an enrollment form, now what?
Your enrollment form has been sent to McHenry County DOT to be processed. Then, they will send it to Pace to be approved. Please allow 7-10 business days for the subsidy to be made available on your account. You will receive an email from Pace and/or your chosen TNC (Uber or UZURV) once you are approved.
What do I need to make sure I include in my enrollment form?
- Your full name should match between the enrollment form, RTA permit card, and TNC (Uber or UZURV) account. Please change your Uber or UZURV account to reflect your full name prior to submitting an enrollment form (e.g. change Mike to Michael, or Deb to Deborah).
- Make sure to include the letter in front of the series of numbers of your RTA Permit ID. This letter (either an A, F, P, S, or D) identifies the kind of card you have.
- Double check that your card is not expired. The voucher is only applied to active RTA Permit card holders.
What if I share an Uber or UZURV account with my family?
Only the owner of the account is allowed to use the voucher. If you share a TNC account with anyone else, you will need to make your own account to ensure your eligibility in the Connect program.
How long will I have the voucher on my account?
You will have the voucher as long as your RTA Permit card stays active. Once the expiration date passes, you will need to resubmit an enrollment form.
My voucher disappeared or was not applied to my last ride. What should I do?
You should contact the TNC associated with your voucher on monetary issues. They will offer better guidance as they have access to your Uber or UZURV account; the McHenry DOT does not. Here is the link to Uber’s customer service page.
I have a unique question that has not been addressed, who should I contact?
You can email your question or issue to mcrideconnect@mchenrycountyil.gov.