L-R: Jason Osborn, IDOT; Pace Board Member Linda Soto; Pace Board Member Rachel Arfa; Illinois Representative Rita Mayfield; U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider; Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger; Lake County Chair Sandy Hart; Illinois Senator Adriane Johnson; Illinois Senator Mike Simmons; Illinois Representative Joyce Mason; Lake County Board Member Paul Frank; and Pace Board Member Chris Canning.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — On Monday, December 23, Pace Suburban Bus celebrated the completion of the first phase of a transformative project to modernize its North Division garage into a facility capable of charging a full fleet of battery-electric buses for service in and around Lake County.
The ribbon cutting marks the opening of Pace’s first large‑scale bus charging depot, featuring 10 pedestal chargers and two overhead pantographs capable of high‑speed charging. This new infrastructure is a major step toward Pace’s long‑term goal of converting all 60 North Division buses to battery‑electric vehicles.
Pace Board Member Linda Soto welcomed attendees and reflected on the rapid progress. “Today, we celebrate a historic milestone: the first phase of converting the infrastructure at North Division to support the operation of a zero‑emission fleet. This is quite an accomplishment as we were just here for the groundbreaking of this project in April of this year,” said Soto. “This project reinforces that Pace will deliver on the investments made into our system and with the completion of phase one, we are looking forward to the renovation of this entire facility so we can operate a fully electric fleet here at North Division.”
Phase One was made possible by $12.5 million in Rebuild Illinois funding, which also supported installation of high‑voltage electrical equipment, a stormwater detention system, and reconstruction of the division’s parking lot. Additional state and federal funding, including a Community Project Funding grant from Congressman Brad Schneider and a grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, is supporting the purchase of electric buses for the fleet.
Congressman Schneider highlighted the impact of these investments. “Today’s ribbon cutting shows how smart government investment delivers real results. Because of the Community Project Funding that I secured more than two years ago, Pace is now expanding the vital infrastructure needed to support zero‑emission buses here in Waukegan. That means cleaner air, quieter streets, and more reliable transit for the entire community and the families who depend on Pace every day — and strengthens our transit system for the long term,” he said.
State leaders emphasized the broader significance of the milestone. “As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, I have led and passed legislation to accelerate the rollout of electric buses in our transportation systems, and applaud the opening of Pace's new electric bus charging station. This rollout of an all‑electric bus fleet serves those who rely on public transportation and accelerates Illinois' path toward clean energy,” said Illinois Senator Mike Simmons.
Illinois Senator Adriane Johnson joined the celebration as well, offering her support for Pace’s zero‑emissions efforts and noting the importance of public transportation service in Waukegan.
State representatives underscored the community benefits of this initiative. “We want everyone in our community to flourish,” said State Representative Rita Mayfield. “With electric buses, we’re taking a major step forward — building healthier neighborhoods, creating more jobs, and boosting our local economy.”
“This new electric bus charging station is a critical step in Pace’s transition to an all‑electric fleet. It’s an investment in cleaner air, healthier families, reliable service, and the thousands of Lake County residents who rely on Pace buses every day,” added State Representative Joyce Mason.
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart echoed those sentiments. “This project represents a meaningful step forward for our region as we work toward cleaner air, modern infrastructure and sustainable transportation options,” said Hart. “I want to thank Pace and our state partners, who continue to advocate for projects through Rebuild Illinois, for their leadership in bringing this investment to Waukegan that will benefit residents and support a more resilient and environmentally responsible future in Lake County.”
Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger closed the event by recognizing the people behind the progress. “Pace is more than just a bus company — it is a community. The people who keep this system running are not just employees; they are part of a family that believes deeply in public service,” she said.
To learn more about Project Zero, Pace's bold initiative designed to replace aging, higher-emission diesel buses with cleaner, more efficient hybrid-electric and electric vehicles, visit PaceBus.com/project/project-zero.
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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 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.
