BOLINGBROOK, IL – Pace continues to invest in regional transit infrastructure with the approval of a contract for architectural and engineering (A/E) services to expand the Bolingbrook Old Chicago Park-n-Ride. A key hub for Pace’s popular Bus-on-Shoulder Express service to Chicago, the I-55 corridor has seen a 7.7% year-over-year increase in ridership. At its February 19, 2025, meeting, the Pace Board of Directors awarded the contract to Gannett Fleming Architects, setting the stage for significant improvements to bolster continuing growth in this service.
The project includes constructing an indoor waiting area for passengers and expanding the bus drive to improve service efficiency. While Pace is funding the A/E phase of the project, construction will be supported in part by a $1.2 million Community Project Funding Grant secured in 2023 through Congressman Bill Foster’s advocacy.
"With a growing population in the suburbs, it's important that we keep up with the demand for safe and reliable public transportation options – and that’s exactly what Pace’s Bolingbrook Park-n-Ride represents," said Foster. "I was proud to secure $1.2 million in Community Project Funding to support the construction of this new, fully-accessible indoor facility. This project will help connect passengers to work, schools, local businesses, and more, and produce positive economic and environmental impacts for the community."
Pace’s Park-n-Ride facilities play a vital role in the agency’s Express bus network, connecting suburban residents to jobs, education, and regional transit hubs. The Old Chicago Park-n-Ride is a key location for commuters along the I-55 corridor, and its expansion will support increased ridership and enhance the overall passenger experience.
“This expansion of the Old Chicago Park-n-Ride is a major win for Bolingbrook commuters and our local economy,” said Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta. “Enhancing this key transit hub will provide our residents with more convenient, reliable transportation options while supporting businesses and job growth in our community. We appreciate Pace’s investment in our village and look forward to the benefits this project will bring.”
“The investment in Bolingbrook is one of several infrastructure initiatives underway as part of Pace’s commitment to a more efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused transit system,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski.
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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.