ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Earlier today, the Pace Board of Directors approved the agency’s 2026 Operating Budget, Two-Year Financial Plan, and Five-Year Capital Program. The budget, bolstered by new state funding from recently enacted legislation, supports expanded service, new sustainable technology, and continued affordability for riders across the six-county region.
"Thanks to the leadership of our state partners and the commitment of our Board, this budget positions Pace to grow service, embrace innovation, and continue delivering safe, affordable, and reliable transportation to our riders," said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. "The addition of our new hybrid bus is another step toward a more sustainable future for suburban transit."
Pace’s 2026 Budget is supported by $18.9 million in new funding from Senate Bill 2111 and includes significant service and program investments without increasing fares. Key highlights include:
- No fare increases in 2026; the standard cash fare remains $2.25 per ride ($2 when using Ventra).
- Funding for the Regional Accessibility Program (RAP) and Taxi Access Program (TAP) through 2026.
- Nearly 10% more suburban bus service to meet growing market demand.
- More On Demand service across the six-county area, improving first-mile/last-mile connectivity.
Pace’s ReVision Plan will guide upcoming service enhancements, including expanded bus-on-shoulder operations, new rapid transit corridors, and increased bus frequency to meet evolving suburban mobility needs.
The historic transit legislation that paved the way for this funding was the result of collaboration among state lawmakers, advocacy groups, and labor organizations. Pace expressed deep gratitude to Governor J.B. Pritzker, the bill’s legislative sponsors, and all advocates whose efforts secured stable funding for public transportation across Illinois.
"This new legislation not only stabilizes transit funding, but it also allows us to plan confidently for the future," said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. "Our riders can count on continued service improvements and a system that is both sustainable and fiscally responsible."
With its 2026 budget in place, Pace is moving forward with projects that strengthen accessibility, enhance environmental stewardship, and deliver more convenient travel options for suburban riders.
At the same meeting, Pace unveiled its newest hybrid electric bus, underscoring the agency’s ongoing investment in cleaner, greener transit options that reduce emissions and modernize the suburban bus fleet. The agency’s investment in hybrid technology aligns with state and regional sustainability goals and reflects Pace’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining dependable, high-quality service for riders.
As Pace continues its transition to a zero-emissions fleet, the purchase of these hybrid electric buses will allow the agency to replace vehicles that are beyond their useful life with vehicles that are better for the environment while also meeting our commitment to our goal of operating a zero-emissions fleet by 2040. This phased transition is critical to maintain the fleet needed to continue providing service to our customers, and it allows the industry time to address the challenges related to infrastructure improvements and vehicle production limitations, and funding to support zero-emissions operations.
For more information about Pace’s 2026 Budget and capital projects, visit PaceBus.com.
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Pace Suburban Bus safely and efficiently moves people to work, school, and other regional destinations with its family of public transportation services. Pace offers affordable and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents of 274 municipalities in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties. The backbone of Chicago's suburbs, Pace serves tens of thousands of daily riders. One of the largest bus services in North America, Pace covers 3,677 square miles, an area nearly the size of the state of Connecticut and about 15 times the size of the City of Chicago. Pace's innovative approach to public transportation gives the agency a national reputation as an industry leader.