(L-R): State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore, Pace Chairman Richard A. Kwasneski, Village of Lansing Mayor Patricia L. Eidam, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger, and Pace Board Member Terry R. Wells.
On Demand provides critical local service and first-mile/last-mile connections in 11 areas across the region
LANSING, IL – Earlier today, Pace celebrated the launch of the new Lansing Area On Demand. The newest shared-ride, reservation-based public transportation option marks another step in improving mobility across the region. Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, State Representative Marcus Evans, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore, Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam, and other local officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the Lansing Municipal Center. The service, which began operations on October 7, provides vital first-mile/last-mile connections, enhancing transit accessibility for the community.
“Today’s event celebrates a goal achieved — we have brought an innovative mobility option to people who need it,” said Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “Hardworking people who need affordable access to transportation. Families who need access to education, medical care, groceries, and employment.”
Building on this, Pace Board Member Terry Wells emphasized the agency's strong presence in the region. “While some might deem the communities in the Southland as underserved, I can tell you that they’re certainly not underserved by Pace,” Wells said. “This latest improvement for residents of south Cook comes alongside our newest safety, training and customer relations center in Markham, the future Pulse Halsted Line, the future Pulse 95th Street Line, and the forthcoming $70 million dollar rebuild of the Harvey Transportation Center. Great things are happening in the south suburbs.”
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle echoed these sentiments, highlighting the broader benefits of expanding transit access. "I’m proud to see Pace launching this new On Demand service, which will provide residents of Lansing and surrounding communities with more convenient, accessible, and affordable transportation options,” Preckwinkle said. “Expanding transit access is a crucial part of our commitment to improving the quality of life in Cook County, and I commend Pace for their dedication to serving our communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this service will bring."
Underscoring the benefits of community participation in public transit, Illinois State Representative Marcus Evans shared how residents can help elevate services like Pace’s On Demand initiative through consistent use and involvement. “You know, public transit is one of those things that gets better when you participate,” said Evans. “We can get folks off the road. We can improve our ecosystem. We can improve our traffic, but we’ve got to use public transit. So, thank you, Pace, for prioritizing public transit for the Southland, and thank you to all our executive leaders for bringing this great program to the citizens in the Village of Lansing.”
Commissioner Stanley Moore further highlighted the broader impact of the Lansing Area On Demand service, emphasizing Pace’s commitment to ensuring that all residents have the tools they need to succeed and thrive. “I want to emphasize that this service is not just about transportation. It's about improving the quality of life. It's about ensuring that everyone in Lansing has an opportunity to thrive. I commend Pace for its commitment to innovation. They are so representative, and they have been a great partner,” said Moore.
Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam emphasized the local benefits of the new service. "I'm pleased that Pace has selected Lansing to launch its On-Demand service in the Chicago Southland. Safe, affordable, accessible transportation is a vital resource for many in our community, including older adults, teens, one-car households, and residents with disabilities. This service will open new opportunities for shopping, employment, and recreation, enhancing the quality of life for all who call Lansing home," Eidam said.
Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger closed by highlighting the positive impact of Pace’s recent service improvements. “Our agency is doing so many great things here in the south suburbs and throughout the region, and it is working as our ridership trends are reflecting our success. Pace September ridership hit a milestone, reaching over 2 million trips. Pace ADA Paratransit ridership has surpassed pre-pandemic levels,” said Metzger. “While we continue to make the case for much more funding for suburban transit service in the years and decades ahead, for now, we’ll continue providing cost-effective service options to the people who rely on it for a strong quality of life.”
The Lansing Area On Demand is Pace’s latest mobility initiative, offering affordable, flexible, and accessible transportation to residents in Lansing and surrounding communities. This service allows riders to book rides for local trips or to connect with major transit routes, providing essential first-mile/last-mile connections. It's designed to improve access to critical destinations such as schools, healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and workplaces. By offering convenient, on-demand rides, this service enhances transportation options for all residents, including those who may have limited access to traditional public transit.
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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.