ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Pace Suburban Bus is closing out the year with expanded service and the launch of a new flexible transit option in Joliet, underscoring the agency’s commitment to connecting communities with reliable, modern transportation.
At today’s meeting of the Pace Board of Directors, Executive Director Melinda Metzger provided several agency updates, including the final round of service improvements for 2025, the launch of VanGo Joliet, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) award of a $39,780,000 Low-or-No Emissions grant to Pace.
On December 7–8, Pace expanded service on six routes and adjusted schedules on two. Earlier this month, Pace launched VanGo Joliet, a flexible, reservation-based service designed to close the first-mile/last-mile gap for commuters. For just $5 per day, riders can connect to employment centers with ease. Year-to-date system ridership reached 22.1 million rides, a 4.2% increase systemwide compared to 2024. Pilot service improvements have driven strong growth, with ridership on enhanced routes increasing 13.5% year-over-year.
"This year’s service improvements and the launch of VanGo Joliet show how Pace is adapting to meet the needs of riders today while preparing for the future,” said Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “We’re proud to expand access, improve reliability, and deliver innovative solutions that strengthen communities across our region.”
Metzger also discussed the impact of a recent Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Low-or-No Emissions grant. One of the largest federal grants in the agency’s history, the funding will allow Pace to purchase 36 hybrid-electric buses for its West Division in Melrose Park.
"This marks the second consecutive year Pace has received a Low-or-No Emissions grant. In 2024, Pace was awarded $30.9 million to purchase 33 hybrid-electric buses, which began arriving in October 2025," said Metzger. "Together, these investments will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve service reliability, and enhance rider comfort."
Metzger also briefed the Board of Directors on a recent open house to gather input on our I-290/I-88 Express Service Study, which is evaluating potential bus on shoulder service connecting the CTA Forest Park Blue Line to Oak Brook and the Schaumburg/Woodfield area. This study is taking place in partnership with IDOT and their shoulder improvement project. Community engagement continues to be critical in shaping corridor investments, and Pace is pleased to see strong interest in this project. Key findings and next steps will be shared early in 2026.
With new services, expanded routes, and historic federal and state investment, Pace ends 2025 on a strong note. The agency remains focused on delivering safe, sustainable, and innovative transit solutions that meet the needs of riders across the region and position Pace for continued growth in 2026.
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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.