ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – Earlier today at Pace’s February Board of Directors meeting, staff shared a series of upcoming pilot projects and service changes that will expand transit access, improve regional connectivity, and better align service levels with riders’ needs across northern Illinois. Made possible through the long‑term, sustainable funding provided by the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), these initiatives support the goals of the NITA Act and reflect Pace’s commitment to enhancing high‑demand corridors and strengthening integration with Metra and CTA services.
In total, these service improvements will add 353 new trips systemwide. “These pilot projects reflect Pace’s commitment to delivering responsive, data‑driven improvements that meet the needs of our riders,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “By strengthening service in high‑demand corridors and closing long-standing transit gaps, we are building a more connected, equitable, and accessible regional transit network.”
To meet strong and rising rider demand, Pace is launching several pilot projects that expand service on high‑use corridors across the region. Routes 213 (Green Bay Road), 349 (South Western Avenue), and 350 (Sibley Boulevard) will see increased frequency and longer service spans to improve reliability and strengthen connections to Metra, CTA, and other Pace routes.
Along Plainfield Road, Pace will also restore weekday service frequency to pre-pandemic levels on Route 507, adding more weekday trips, longer service hours, and improved transfer opportunities to support workers traveling this vital employment corridor. Following strong ridership growth on Route 755 after its 2024–25 service expansion, Pace will add one new inbound trip and adjust one existing inbound trip to better accommodate higher passenger volumes and maintain a comfortable, reliable experience.
To improve regional mobility in West/Southwest Cook County, Pace will launch a Route 315 pilot that extends service to the CTA Orange Line Midway Station. This project increases service hours and frequency on all operating days, creating faster, more direct access to key destinations such as Morton College and Midway Airport. By enhancing transfer options and reducing travel times, the Route 315 pilot strengthens regional connectivity and expands access for communities with limited north–south transit options.
Additionally, Pace announced the return of the Wrigley Field Express (weekend service) and the Soldier Field Express in 2026. Pace’s Express Service to Events provides direct, affordable transportation from convenient suburban Park‑n‑Ride locations, where parking is free.
Also of note, Pace, the Village of Niles, and state leaders have finalized a long‑term agreement to continue the Niles Free Bus Program, with service set to resume in March or April. The agreement preserves a long‑standing community service that connects residents to schools, jobs, medical appointments, shopping centers, and other key destinations throughout Niles. Illinois Senator Ram Villivalam, Illinois Senator Laura Murphy, and Illinois Representative Michael Kelly worked closely with Pace and Village Mayor George Alpogianis to help advance the agreement, praising the collaboration for maintaining an essential mobility resource for local residents.
“We appreciate the strong partnership with the Village of Niles and our legislative leaders in restoring this service. By maintaining the routes residents rely on, we’re ensuring the Niles Free Bus remains a dependable mobility option for years to come,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.
Updated schedules will be available on board and online in early March. For more information about Pace service, visit PaceBus.com.
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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 more than 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.