Expanded weekday and weekend service on select fixed routes also take effect in December and public budget hearings begin soon
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – This past month, Pace served the highest monthly total of riders throughout its entire system since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than four years ago, carrying more than 2 million riders in September 2024. In fact, ridership for September 2024 increased 13.2% percent from September 2023 figures — with both time periods having the same number of weekdays. This major milestone was shared during the Pace Board of Directors’ meeting yesterday.
“We are at 89% of an average weekday pre-pandemic, and our ridership continues to grow on our Paratransit service, where we are more than 100 percent pre-pandemic,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “Our focus on innovative and flexible service options, along with increasing our frequency and weekend service on the busiest corridors, is working. We continue to see positive momentum in gaining back riders, and the latest ridership numbers reflect this momentum.”
Ridership trends at Pace have continued to surge throughout 2024. Pace continues to see strong demand for weekend service in 2024, as well as strong demand for the Pulse bus rapid transit lines.
During yesterday’s meeting, the Board of Directors also discussed significant service expansion pilot projects that take effect at the end of the year. The service changes continue Pace’s ongoing commitment to address the evolving mobility needs of the region.
Beginning on Sunday, December 8, Pace Routes 322, 350, and 364 in Cook County will include additional trips, longer service hours, and increased frequency on both weekdays and weekends. Route 301, also in Cook County, will see more trips and longer service hours on weekends.
Also effective December 8, Pace Route 563 between downtown Waukegan and North Chicago in Lake County will see new weekend service to better meet riders’ travel needs. Route 563 serves several key destinations in the area, including Naval Station Great Lakes, the Lovell Federal Health Care Center, and three separate Metra UP-North Line stations.
Effective Monday, December 9, Route 564 will see longer hours of service and more trips on weekdays, providing increased opportunities for riders traveling between Washington/Sheridan in downtown Waukegan and Fountain Square in Waukegan.
“Pace is committed to meeting the evolving needs of our riders in this post-pandemic era,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “These piloted expansions of high-demand fixed bus routes in the region creates increased frequency and expanded options on both weekdays and weekends, ensuring riders have stronger access to jobs, education, and essential services in the area. Pace is looking forward to continuing our positive post-pandemic momentum to serving our riders.”
During yesterday’s meeting, the Board of Directors also officially released the public hearing schedule for Pace’s proposed 2025 Operating Budget, 2026-2027 Two-Year Financial Plan, and 2025-2029 Five-Year Capital Program. The first public hearing begins today (Thursday, October 17) at 1 p.m. at the Waukegan Public Library in Lake County. The hearings, both in person and virtual, continue through Monday, October 28. For a complete public hearing schedule and more information on Pace’s proposed 2025 budget, visit the Pace website at PaceBus.com/budget-hearings-2025.
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.