Governor JB Pritzker speaks to guests at grand opening of Pace’s new facility in Markham, IL
Rebuild Illinois funded project modernizes operations
MARKHAM, IL – Earlier today, Pace welcomed Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Representative William Q. Davis, Illinois State Representative Robert Rita, Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, Illinois State Representative Matt Hanson, Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman, and Mayor Roger Agpawa of Markham, along with state and community leaders to celebrate the completion of its new facility in Markham. Pace’s latest investment in the south suburbs marks a significant milestone in modernizing operations, bolstering the agency’s south suburban workforce, and enhancing our central Safety and Training, including the introduction of a bus operator training course.
“Not only does this project make Pace a more efficient and modern part of our transit system, but it also prioritizes clean and efficient energy growth—a win across the board,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Rebuild Illinois is funding projects like this all across the state, making a stronger Illinois that works better for its people.”
The Markham campus project was made possible by a $7.1 million investment from the governor’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program and an additional $27.1 million in state funding. Additional funding was provided by the Federal Transportation Authority ($1.3 million), Regional Transportation Authority Bonds ($1.9 million), and Pace capital funds ($2.6 million).
“Rebuild Illinois has been a gamechanger for transit in the Chicago area and our entire system of multimodal transportation in Illinois,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Under Gov. Pritzker, IDOT is proud to help deliver these important projects that ultimately make buses and trains safer, more reliable and accessible for the public.”
The Markham site has spurred economic development through job creation and will improve access to employment by supporting Pace service throughout the south suburbs. “One of the hallmarks of my administration as Chairman of the Pace Board is ensuring that Pace contributes to economic development in our region. This project is another example of that value we create,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski.
“Investing in Pace and public transportation is not only a commitment to mobility and access to opportunity but also a strategic investment that generates returns for our region's economy,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “In addition to this building, this campus will be home to our Customer Relations, Sign and Shelter crew, our IT backup data center, and Safety and Training Staff.”
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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.