L-R: Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger; U.S. Senator Dick Durbin; Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski; Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham; and RTA Board Member Michael Lewis.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham joined Pace and RTA to celebrate Pace’s electric bus debut
BRIDGEVIEW, IL – Earlier today, Pace Suburban Bus charged into the future with the debut of its inaugural battery-electric bus. The state-of-the-art Gillig bus is now operational on Route 381 95th Street serving riders in the southwest suburbs, including Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Bridgeview, Hickory Hills, and Palos Hills, and providing connections between the CTA Red Line and Moraine Valley College. This significant step towards sustainable transit comes after the bus underwent rigorous testing last year.
Pace, with its commitment to environmental stewardship as a key priority of the agency’s Driving Innovation strategic vision plan, is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance air quality in the community. Pace’s ambitious initiative, Project Zero, aims to convert its entire fleet of over 700 buses to zero-emission vehicles by the year 2040.
“This is a tremendous milestone in our Project Zero initiative," said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “Already, 22 more electric buses are on order thanks to federal funding. We thank you, Senator Durbin, and the Illinois delegation for your support in this endeavor.”
"By embracing cutting-edge technology, Pace is not just transforming its fleet; it's catalyzing a broader conversation about the intersection of public transportation and environmental responsibility,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). “Pace’s leadership in embracing clean energy showcases the potential for transformative change, and aligns with our shared vision of propelling our communities towards a greener tomorrow.”
“Pace’s legacy of progress and innovation has led us to this vehicle you see today—which is better for passengers, easier for our bus operators, and cleaner for the environment,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “This marks a pivotal moment for Pace and our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.”
Event speakers included U.S. Senator Dick Durbin; Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham; RTA Board Member Michael Lewis; Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski; and Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. Event guests included Illinois State Representative and Mayor of Evergreen Park Kelly M. Burke; members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241; and representatives from Moraine Valley College.
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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.