Information about Pace's Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Article

Date

Mon, 10/19/2020

Ready When You Are

As many of us begin to return to worksites and regular activities, we ask that you continue to be vigilant against the spread of COVID-19. Please wear masks, give others space as you are able, and reconsider nonessential travel.

At the height of the pandemic, Pace ridership was down to approximately 25% of our regular ridership. We went from providing over 100,000 trips every weekday to 25,000. Those 25,000 trips helped people access essential jobs, grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical care. Since then, we’ve seen a steady return of riders to our service, and since July, weekday ridership has been at about 50% of pre-pandemic levels. Welcome back. For those of you who will return over the next few months, we’re ready when you are. It is imperative that we continue to keep each other safe and work together until a vaccine is found.

Noteworthy announcements:

October 10: Pace's 2021 budget proposes to formalize the temporary route suspensions and service reductions that have been place since Spring. Public hearings on the proposed budget are being held in late October. While we are formally proposing to make these service reductions permanent, it’s important to note that no rider is losing any service beyond what has already been suspended or reduced since Spring. If these route eliminations and reductions are enacted by the Board in November, the level of service in 2021 will remain at current levels until the availability of funding and return of commuter demand allows for a reevaluation and possible reinstatement of service. We understand people had previously relied on these routes, and the Pace Board of Directors does not take this proposal lightly.
June 29: Pace reopened some passenger facilities and buildings to the public. This allows passengers to claim lost and found items and use indoor waiting areas, including Ventra vending machines, where available. Please continue to practice social distancing when using these facilities. Masks are required.
June 22: riders are once again required to pay fares on all Pace bus routes, On Demand services, Dial-a-Rides, and ADA Paratransit services. To support efforts to continue to schedule single-passenger ADA Paratransit trips as ridership allows, we are waiving fares on City of Chicago Taxi Access Program (TAP) trips until further notice. We will also continue waiving fares for all medical personnel presenting a work ID. Rear-door boarding on bus routes is no longer permitted.

All temporary service changes and suspensions remain in effect. There are a number of factors that need to be considered to determine how and when to restore service to the routes that have temporary service reductions or suspensions. Pace continues to monitor ridership and work with businesses, schools, and communities to plan the path forward. As of May 18, COVID-19 has affected service on 100 Pace fixed routes. Detailed schedule information is available on the passenger notices page.