For the Fall 2021 semester, Pace is reinstating all trips footnoted as “school days only” in our published schedules as students return to classrooms and Illinois emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The mask requirement is still in effect.
Information for Students and Parents about Bus Service in Fall 2021
We know many high school and college students rely on Pace bus service to get to school every day.
As northeastern Illinois emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Pace continues to do its part to keep all our riders safe, but riders need to do their part, too.
Throughout this pandemic and continuing through this school year, Pace has been cleaning and sanitizing buses regularly in accordance with CDC guidelines. See more details about our cleaning and disinfecting protocols here.
All riders, including students, who are medically able to tolerate a mask need to wear one while onboard Pace buses and while near other people at bus stops.
All riders, including students, should use a Ventra Card to pay their fares for quicker boarding and less interaction with the bus operator. Students continue to ride at a discounted fare, and paying with your Ventra Card is the easiest way to take advantage of that savings. See this page for more information about getting a student Ventra Card.
Status of bus schedules
After suspending all trips footnoted as “school days only” in the public timetables during the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pace is reinstating most of those trips in Fall 2021. Students at many area middle and high schools and colleges can get to and from class and other activities via regular Pace fixed route service or the “school days only” trips. Please consult the timetable links provided in the School Service Clarification passenger notice for the correct information about trip times and destinations. Sign up for email alerts (via the link at the bottom of this page) for the route you ride to stay informed when Pace announces changes to our service.
Shuttle option
School administrators seeking to offer an additional transportation option for their students or employees can start a vanpooling option which mirrors Pace's employer shuttle program. The school would pay $600 per month and can use the van as they see fit to pick up and drop off people at locations of your choice. Pace covers fuel and maintenance. The school provides the driver and is allowed to charge the passengers a fare. To inquire about this option, please contact Pace's Community Relations Department.
