ReVision: Pace's Network Restructuring Project

Travel patterns have changed and Pace is changing with them. We are reimagin­ing what our system looks like and we want your input. 

Three network concepts are available for your review! These concepts show three different ways Pace could provide improvement in transit service in northeastern Illinois.

We’ve crafted these concepts with you in mind, so take a look and give us your feedback. What’s the right balance to meet your needs and the region’s priorities?  

View the ReVision Virtual Open House (Nov. 20, 2024) and take the survey below.

What is the Pace ReVision plan?

Through ReVision, Pace is rethinking our entire network of services, building on the principles of accessibility, equity and productivity defined in the Driving Innovation strategic plan.

After months of planning, data collection and analysis, Pace’s ReVision project team has released the transit network concepts. These concepts review and reimagine where and how often Pace routes should run, and what types of transit service are appropriate in different areas of the Chicagoland region. These ReVision concepts combine comprehensive technical analysis with an ongoing regional conversation about the values and priorities that stakeholders, riders, and the general public want the Pace network to reflect. Now that the network concepts are available for public review and comment, the next steps will be to gather input on the network concepts, after which the Pace team will propose a Draft Plan in mid-2025. After receiving public input on the Draft Plan, a Final Plan will be developed for implementation, which Pace intends to release for public feedback in late-2025.

Additional Information About ReVision:

• Background Maps
• Isochrone Maps

Objectives 

The ReVision project is developing a proposal for a reimagined Pace bus and On Demand network, leading to major service changes starting in 2026.

As our region emerges from the pandemic, we recognize that travel patterns have changed, and Pace needs to adjust to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s society. We plan to update and modernize our service offerings to continue being a good steward of taxpayer resources while maximizing access to jobs, education, medical services, and other destinations.

The ReVision project is developing a proposal for a reimagined Pace bus and On Demand network, leading to major service changes starting in 2026. 

As our region emerges from the pandemic, we recognize that travel patterns have changed, and Pace needs to adjust to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow's society. We plan to update and modernize our service offerings to continue being a good steward of taxpayer resources while maximizing access to jobs, education, medical services, and other destinations. 

Process

To meet these objectives, the project team has:

• Analyzed existing transit services, and relevant demographic and travel patterns.
• Developed and presented future network concepts, to illustrate both key trade-offs (such as the ridership vs. coverage trade-off) and the opportunities that could be opened up with new funding.

The next steps in the project are to:

• Gather public and stakeholder feedback on these concepts/alternatives and use this feedback to develop a Draft Plan.
• Gather public and stakeholder feedback on the Draft Plan and incorporate the feedback to develop a Final Plan for 2026.

Throughout the process, Pace staff across the organization will be engaged to ensure a viable plan and successful implementation of service changes.

Timeline

Throughout 2024, Pace has evaluated existing data as well as feedback on unserved needs and formulated preliminary concepts of a modernized bus route network.

We are now gathering public input on those network concepts, after which the Pace team will propose a Draft Plan. After receiving input on the Draft Plan, a Final Plan will be developed for implementation. The entire project timeline is 24 months.

We want to hear from you!

To enhance Pace’s transit network throughout the suburban Chicagoland area, Pace is gathering transportation suggestions from our riders, former riders, employers, advocates, business & community leaders and all stakeholders. We hope to gain valuable insights and ideas that can lead to more efficient and convenient bus routes and other transit options, while continuing to provide equitable and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents of the six counties and 274 municipalities we serve. 

This initiative will help us find specific areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing bus frequency on certain routes, optimizing route planning, identifying new pickup and drop-off locations, and even adding other mobility options where none existed before. By involving the community in this process, we hope to create a more user-centered and responsive public transportation system that meets the diverse needs of area residents and today’s society.

What does this plan mean for me?

The restructuring of bus service will bring about many positive outcomes for our current riders, future riders, and communities. The primary benefits will be increased accessibility and convenience for a greater number of commuters. With improved routes, convenient operating hours, and better connectivity, more individuals will have access to reliable and affordable transportation options. Changes will help commuters reach their destinations efficiently and will reduce traffic congestion. Pace’s eco-friendly goals will contribute to a greener environment by reducing carbon emissions. Upgraded buses equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and charging ports will provide an improved travel experience for the public.

How do I get involved? 

As Pace considers critical systems changes, we want to emphasize that your opinions and input are essential to shape Pace’s future service network.  Pace needs everyone to provide valuable input. Let us know where we need to better serve you today, tomorrow, and in the future. As the project evolves there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved. Here are a few examples:

• Sign up for email/text alerts below to stay updated about the project
• Take the survey to react to what you see in the network concepts
• Provide feedback by email at your convenience, or take the survey