ADA News launches in city and suburbs

Newsletter to provide service updates and address frequently asked questions about Pace ADA Paratransit Service

As part of Pace's ongoing efforts to boost passenger communications, Pace recently launched newsletters created for suburban and City of Chicago Pace ADA Paratransit Service riders. Pace's ADA News originated with a request from Pace's ADA Committees who alerted Pace to the need for a central source for service information. To meet that need, Pace created quarterly newsletters to update riders about ADA service improvements and provide answers to common questions.

The newsletters will be distributed on ADA paratransit vehicles, distributed to community centers like libraries and workshops for people with disabilities, posted online, and recorded on the Pace Newsline (847-228-2322). To request alternative formats, including Braille and large print, or to request a copy by mail, please contact Pace Customer Relations by phone at 847-364-7223, option 3, or by email at Passenger.Services@PaceBus.com.

PDF and text versions of these newsletters are available in the Newsletter section

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Progress for Posted Stops Only bus stop conversion project

Pace′s flag-stop policy, a holdover from the early days of suburban bus service, allows travelers to hail a bus with a wave of the hand at any safe intersection along the route. While useful in lightly populated suburbs, this type of operation can be confusing to newcomers, makes schedules unreliable, creates uncertainty for riders and bus drivers, and creates potential safety issues.

That′s why Pace is in the process of converting all of its bus routes to a posted-stops-only operation, in which riders would be able to get on and off only at posted bus stop signs. Many public transportation agencies operate service using a posted-stops-only policy, including the CTA.

This conversion process involves selecting stops (maximizing safety, ease of access, and bus operational efficiency), installing signs with the updated Pace logo, and informing stakeholders about where boarding and alighting can take place. While riders along converted routes will no longer be able to hail a bus with a wave of the hand, they should get where they're going faster and closer to schedule. Pace has converted 25 routes to Posted Stop Only service to date.

The change process includes rider notification through online, email and on-board notices to inform them of the date of the change and handouts with the location of every bus stop along the route. This handout is also available online. That way, current and future riders will know where they can get on or off a Pace bus.

Riders looking to stay informed should sign up for e-mail alerts or join Pace on Facebook and Twitter. Once a conversion is implemented, the printed and online version of bus schedules will contain a ‘posted stops only′ notation.

The change process also includes reaching out to stakeholders such as mayors, county board members, township supervisors, and business owners to alert them about the proposed changes and seek their input. Pace designs its service around the needs of a community and values feedback from the public and all stakeholders.

Learn more and check out Pace′s progress in the Bus Stop Policy section.