DuPage County staff: Hinsdale Lake Terrace rideshare pilot enrollment has quadrupled; sustainability and partnerships remain concerns

County staff presented the DuPage County Transportation Committee with the 2025 annual report on the Hinsdale Lake Terrace rideshare pilot, reporting rapid enrollment and usage growth while flagging sustainability questions.

John, the staff presenter, said the pilot launched Jan. 1 and had about 100 enrollees by the end of that month; enrollment has since quadrupled and staff are registering "between 5 and 10" new enrollees per week. John said the program saw a rise to roughly "2,000, 2,500 rides per month" as geography restrictions were lifted to allow trips into Cook and Will counties.

Staff said the county reduced per-ride subsidies and monthly ride allowances to control costs after lifting geographic limits, but that overall usage and enrollment continued to climb. Staff told the committee the board provided funds to cover early administration costs — staff had initially estimated roughly $500,000 for the first year and spent slightly more.

Members raised operational and policy questions. Member Say asked "How many residents are in this area, in Hinsdale Lake Terrace area?" and staff replied the boundary covers roughly 3,800–4,500 people by census-tract estimates (staff used a rough figure of about 5,000 when discussing community scale). Member Lee asked whether townships could help defray costs as people move outside the pilot area; staff said outreach and the county’s demand-responsive study with the RTA are intended to examine partnerships with townships and regional providers.

Committee members emphasized the program’s value to residents without reliable transportation: one member said it has been "transformational" for many residents who now can get to job interviews, medical care and visits with relatives. Staff said they are sharing program data with the Regional Transportation Authority and incorporating findings into a demand-responsive contract with Via; staff also said they will share information with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning as planning and funding conversations proceed.

What happens next: staff will continue administering the pilot, consider changes to parameters if demand persists, and pursue coordination with Pace, RTA, Via and townships to explore longer-term funding and service models.