Author: Jay Walsh

Are you ready to drive?
Do you take the city bus?
Do you want to ride the train?
How will you get around after you graduate?
Do you know your choices?

Created by Jay Walsh, U-46 Transition Teacher

Did you pass Drivers Ed., get your permit & finish your 50 hours of practice driving hours with your family or are over 18?
Did you drive at least 10 hours at night?
Have you studied the test?
When you think you might be ready here is where you can go.

http://driving-tests.org/illinois/illinois-permit-practice-test.html

http://www.dmv.com/il/illinois/dmv-office/elgin.html

University of Michigan study says
Fewer students choosing to get a drivers license
Check out the links to find out why.

http://www.uspirg.org/sites/pirg/files/reports/Transportation%20%26%20the%20New%20Generation%20vUS_0.pdf

Need more help to
decide???

So much to think about!!!
Here are a few questions to ask yourself from Marianjoy.
Do you know how to ride a bicycle?
Can you be at home alone?
How hard are you willing to work to learn to drive?
How determined are you to learn to drive?
Can you pay attention for a long time?
How fast do you think and solve problems?

http://www.marianjoy.org/TherapiesandServices/DriverRehabilitation.aspx

Still not Sure?
Try our link to
OnePlaceForSpecialNeeds.com for even more information to make your choice.

http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_driver_training.html

Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
26W171 Roosevelt Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
Switchboard: 630-909-8000
Fax: 630-909-8001
TTY/TTD: 630-909-8015

Drivers training and testing to help your find out if you are ready to drive. Check out the link below to see more about the program.

Walking is fun and good exercise. But what if I can’t walk as far as I want to go? What if it is snowing or raining? What if there are no sidewalks?

Riding my bike is good exercise too. But what if it snows or starts to rain? Is there a bike path and safe streets to ride on where I want to go?

I could call a taxi! But how much will it cost me? Do I have enough money to get there and get back?
(A-1 Taxi:
847-888-3990)

Maybe my family can drive me! But what if they are busy or at work? I better plan ahead or it might not work out.

These are all great choices sometimes, but is there anything else?

https://www.pacebus.com/sub/schedules/fare_definitions.asp

click here

Fixed Route Bus: that means a bus that almost always takes the same route, day after day, hour after hour. These busses have a time schedule you can use to know when it will arrive. (Elgin has the most fixed routes of our cities in the district. Most of Elgin's busses have a circle route that leaves every 30 minutes.)
Dial-a-Ride: a special bus you call to pick you up if you live close to a fixed route but can’t take that bus. Each city has different rules on who can use this program and for what reasons. (we will learn more later)
Para-Transit: another special bus to call if you cant take the fixed route bus. You also have to apply and be ok’d for anyone to use this program.
Each of these costs a different amount of money in each city.
Metra Trains: These are called commuter trains. A commuter is someone who goes from one city to another for work or fun. Most of our trains end up in Chicago with many stops along the way. They then turn back around and go to where they started in the suburbs. They have a time schedule so you know when it comes and goes.
EL Trains: Only the city of Chicago has these Elevated trains. These are small trains that move around on a fixed route like a bus.
To learn more use this link.

http://www.pacebus.com/sub/paratransit/.html

Here are some things that may help you save some money when you use the fixed route system or trains.
Ride Free Permit: You may be able to ride for free on all public transportation in Illinois. Check out the link below to help you find more information.
Reduced Fare Permit: You may be able to ride public transportation for less money. Check out the link below to find more information.
Student Fare: Check out the link below to see how to get a discount.
AIM CIL can help you apply.

Need more help to learn to ride the bus? RTA has a travel training program.

http://rtachicago.com/rider-resources

Here is a great way to plan your bus and train trip. You can also track your bus and train and get a free schedule when you need it.

http://rtachicago.com/plan-your-trip

Are you in a U-46 Transition Program?
Center House and SWEP help you learn to ride the bus and trains.
Talk to your teachers for find out more.

Ride In Kane:
Rides for work in most Kane County areas. Sometimes for more in but each city makes that choice. Check out the website for more information.

http://www.rideinkane.org/sponsors.asp

Hanover Township
Ticket To Ride (TIDE):
Rides for work in Hanover Township. Cost depends on where you go.
Dial A Bus Program:
Rides to medical appointment, grocery shopping and personal business in Hanover Township. Must be within 8 miles of township area.
Township Riders Initiative Program (TRIP):
Rides to medical appointments outside of the township area.

http://www.hanover-township.org/en/resident/transportation.aspx

Wayne Township
Dial A Ride:
Door to door service outside of Wayne Township for Medical, work and social activities. Must register and use pre-purchased vouchers. Cost is how far you need to go.
Pilot II Program:
Taxi program for in the township and area hospitals for medical appointments. Must use a coupon and cost is $2.50 each way.

http://www.waynetwp-il.org/resources/transportation

Elgin, South Elgin, (Aurora same except for TIDE)
My Ride	I can use it for:	Contact number
PACE Fixed route bus	Anything you want	(847) 364-PACE (7223
Dial-a-Ride	Medical, School	(847) 364-PACE (7223
Metra Train	Anything you want	(312) 322-6777
Ride in Kane / (all of Elgin and Kane County)	Work and Medical.	(630)584-1170
TIDE / (only in Cook County part of Elgin)	Work	(630)483-5600

Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, Hanover Park, Schaumburg
My Ride	I can use it for:	Contact number
PACE Fixed route bus	Anything you want	(847) 364-PACE (7223
Dial-a-Ride	Medical, School	(847) 364-PACE (7223
Dial-a-Bus	Medical, Shopping, Personal business	(630) 483-5656
Metra Train	Anything you want	(312) 322-6777
TIDE / (only in Cook County part of Elgin)	Work	(630)483-5600

Wayne, Bartlett, Carol Stream, West Chicago
My Ride	I can use it for:	Contact number
PACE Fixed route bus	Anything you want	(847) 364-PACE (7223)
Dial-a-Ride	Medical, work, personal errands	(800) 713-7445
Metra Train	Anything you want	(312) 322-6777
Pilot II Taxi Program	Anything you want	(630) 231-7140

http://www.projectaction.org/Portals/3/espa-logo.html

Travel Training Information For You

Jay Walsh, 2015 resource guide

Main Campus - Wheaton

U.S. Department of Transportation's Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities United StatesMore Details	TTY: 800-455-9880Toll-Free Phone: 800-778-4838	View Map

ADA Regional Transportation Authority Paratransit Services Helpline RTA 175 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1550 Chicago, Illinois 60604 United StatesMore Details	Phone: (312) 663-4357TTY: (312) 913-3122 www.rtachicago.com/accessibility/ada-paratransit-service-guidelines.html	Visit WebsiteView Map