Benefits · Transportation

How to apply for RTA Ride Free + Pace / Metra + County Dial-a-Ride (Lake County)

Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) — Pace + Metra + county paratransit

Who it's for

Lake County is in the RTA service region: Pace suburban buses and Metra commuter rail, plus county dial-a-ride / Pace ADA Paratransit serving Waukegan / North Chicago / Libertyville / Gurnee. Seniors age 65+ ride at REDUCED fare with an RTA Reduced Fare permit and ride FREE under the Ride Free Transit Benefit if they qualify for the Illinois Benefit Access Program (income under $33,562 single / $44,533 couple). Apply for the permit through RTA after Benefit Access approval.

Lake: RTA region — Pace/Metra; seniors 65+ get reduced fare, FREE via Benefit Access (income ≤$33,562 single).

What you'll need

Proof of age 65+ (or disability)
Proof of Lake County / Illinois residency
Illinois Benefit Access approval (for the free Ride Free permit)
Photo identification

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 312-913-3110

Renewals

permit multi-year

Official source →Last verified · June 14, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.