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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Katrina Boatright, Seniors and Disabilities Services, Manager
DATE: 5/28/2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution to Approve GoGo Grandparent as the Replacement Contractor for the City of Aurora Ride Solution (CARS) Transportation Program through December 31, 2025, utilizing the remaining budgeted funding, not to exceed $100,000.00.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval for GoGo Grandparent to serve as the replacement contractor for the City of Aurora Ride Solution (CARS) Transportation Program. This change is necessary due to the current contractor, On-The-Go, terminating its call center operations and withdrawing from service provision under the program.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora Ride Solution (CARS) Transportation Program has been providing supplemental transportation services since July 2023, initially launched as a six-month pilot initiative. Administered by the Seniors and Disabilities Services Division, the program was created in response to the growing unmet transportation needs of older adults and individuals living with disabilities.
Through a third-party contractor, CARS provides curb-to-curb rideshare and door-to-door accessible transportation, while also coordinating dispatch and monitoring ride completion to ensure a seamless experience for program participants. Eligible destinations include medical appointments, employment or educational sites, grocery and shopping locations, wellness/nutrition services, and social events.
Each participant may schedule up to 10 one-way rides (5 round trips) per month, helping ensure consistent and equitable access to essential services and community engagement opportunities.
Through community engagement, the Division identified that many existing transportation programs operated by local organizations were unable to meet demand due to a range of challenges, including limited service areas restricted by county boundaries, shortages of volunteer drivers, affordability concerns, and issues with service reliability.
To address these gaps, the Seniors and Disabilities Services Division launched the CARS program in partnership with a few community organizations: Seniors Services Associates, VNA Health, Association for Individual Development and Weston Bridges. This collaboration enabled the City to provide supplemental transportation services for eligible residents who could not be accommodated by the existing transportation options.
DISCUSSION:
Local organizations and advocates serving older adults and individuals with disabilities in Aurora continue to face increasing demand for transportation support. With a projected 32% growth in the aging population over the next five years, the City anticipates that this transportation gap will intensify, potentially reaching crisis levels.
As the CARS program enters its second full year in 2025, it continues to operate under a partner referral model, intentionally designed to avoid duplication of services and to align ride requests with available funding. While this approach has supported collaboration with program partners and promoted long-term sustainability, it has also limited broader citywide promotion and general access in order to prevent demand from exceeding service capacity.
In the interim, while transitioning to GoGo Grandparent as the proposed contractor for the remainder of 2025, it is important to note that City staff revisited Ride X Corp, one of the original respondents to the 2023 RFP. Upon review, Ride X’s cost projections remained higher than those offered by GoGo Grandparent, affirming GoGo Grandparent as the more fiscally responsible choice for this transition phase of the program.
To establish a long-term service provider, the City will issue a new Request for Proposal in Fall 2025 to secure a contractor to begin services in January 2026. This forthcoming procurement, like the previous one, will not be subject to the City’s local preference ordinance as it will be structured as a Request for Proposal (RFP).
The remaining approved funding for the CARS program in 2025 will support services provided by GoGo Grandparent through December 31, 2025, ensuring only a slight interruption of access to transportation for eligible residents
IMPACT STATEMENT:
With more than 30,000 residents over the age of 60, the City of Aurora is witnessing a steady increase in its senior population each year. Demographic projections indicate that by 2029 to 2030, the number of residents aged 60 and older will surpass those under the age of 18, marking a significant generational shift within the city.
This projected crossover highlights the urgent need to proactively plan for an aging society. Key areas of focus will include transportation, eldercare, accessible housing, retirement support, and age-friendly infrastructure-all essential to ensuring older adults can continue to live independently and with dignity.
The supplemental transportation program, CARS, administered by the Seniors and Disabilities Services Division is a direct response to this need. By providing reliable rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations, the program enhances the quality of life for older residents and supports their ability to age in place, preserving both their independence and legacy within the community.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
City Council approve the resolution to accept the proposal from GoGo Grandparent and to use existing funds for the City of Aurora Ride Solution (CARS) Program through December 31, 2025.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to approve GoGo Grandparent as the replacement contractor for the City of Aurora Ride Solution (CARS) Program through December 31, 2025, utilizing the remaining budgeted funding, not to exceed $100,000.00.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Seniors and Disabilities Services Division’s City of Aurora Ride Solution for Seniors (CARS) transportation program serves as a vital component of the City’s ongoing advocacy and support for its senior and disabled residents; and
WHEREAS, the CARS program provides supplemental transportation services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in Aurora who are unable to access existing transportation programs, thereby addressing critical mobility needs and enhancing their quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora recognizes the projected 32% increase in the senior population over the next five years, including a demographic shift expected by 2030 when residents aged 60 and over will outnumber those under 18-highlighting the need for intentional planning and investment in age-friendly services such as transportation; and
WHEREAS, the City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in 2023 to identify a contractor for the provision of supplemental transportation services, and while On-The-Go was previously selected as the highest-ranked proposer, they have since ceased their call center operations and are no longer able to fulfill service requirements; and
WHEREAS, the City has identified GoGo Grandparent as a qualified and cost-effective replacement contractor to continue providing transportation services through December 31, 2025, ensuring continuity of service during this transition period; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to issue a new RFP in Fall 2025 to secure a long-term contractor beginning in January 2026;
WHEREAS, Whereas, the remaining allocated program funding in the amount of $100,000.00 for calendar year 2025 will be covered under Expense Account No. 101-1372-440.50-80;)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois:
That the City hereby approves the selection of GoGo Grandparent as the replacement contractor for the City of Aurora Ride Solution for Seniors (CARS) transportation program through December 31, 2025;
Be it further resolved, that the Director of Purchasing or appropriate City staff are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with GoGo Grandparent in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00, representing the remaining allocated program funding for 2025, with said contract to include the terms and conditions as set forth in this resolution;
Be it further resolved, that a new Request for Proposal will be issued in Fall 2025 to identify a transportation service provider for the CARS program beginning January 1, 2026.