L-R: Cook County Board Commissioner Scott Britton; Pace Director Chris Canning; Cook County Board Commissioner Kevin Morrison; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle; Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger; Mayor of Rolling Meadows Lara Sanoica; Cook County Board Commissioner Maggie Trevor; Illinois Representative Mary Beth Canty; Illinois Representative Nabeela Syed; Illinois Representative Nicolle Grasse; and Pace Director Bill McLeod
ROLLING MEADOWS, IL - Pace Suburban Bus today celebrated the launch of its expanded Northwest Cook County On Demand service, bringing more convenient, flexible, and affordable transportation options to residents and visitors across the northwest suburbs.
The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is designed to make it easier for riders to reach everyday destinations, including medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers, and connections to the regional transit system.
"Today marks an important milestone for public transportation in northwest Cook County," said Pace Director Chris Canning. "We’re proud to expand this service in partnership with our local communities and Cook County, and to offer residents a flexible, shared‑ride option that fits their daily lives."
Canning thanked local partners for their collaboration, including the City of Rolling Meadows and the Villages of Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Mount Prospect, along with other participating communities that helped make the expansion possible. Pace also acknowledged the support of Cook County, which helped fund the service expansion through its Invest in Cook grant program.
"Expanding Pace’s Northwest Cook On Demand service reflects our continued commitment to ensuring residents have reliable, flexible, and equitable transportation options," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "This innovative service connects people to jobs, schools, healthcare, and other essential destinations — particularly in areas where traditional fixed‑route service may not fully meet community needs. I am proud that our Invest in Cook grant program can support efforts that strengthen mobility, reduce transportation barriers, and enhance quality of life for residents across Cook County."
Northwest Cook On Demand is one of 11 Pace On Demand services operating throughout the region. Riders can book trips in as little as 10 minutes using a mobile app, traveling anywhere within the local service zone for a shared‑ride experience that is convenient and accessible.
"On Demand strengthens access and provides an affordable transportation option for people who need to get where they’re going," said Pace Director Bill McLeod, who represents northwest Cook County. "This service helps riders reach medical appointments, attend classes, shop for groceries, and access jobs — essential trips that support quality of life."
In northwest Cook County, the On Demand service connects riders to key destinations, such as Harper College, Fremd High School, and Northwest Community Hospital, as well as local downtowns and shopping destinations. For $4 round trip, riders can easily book and manage their trips through the Pace On Demand mobile app.
"Expanding Pace On Demand service in the Northwest Suburbs is an important step toward making transit more flexible and accessible for our residents," said Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison. "By improving connections to key destinations like the Palatine Metra Station and Harper College, this expansion will make it easier for people to get to work and school and access essential services. Reliable and convenient transportation strengthens our communities and helps ensure that residents have the freedom of movement we all deserve."
Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor added: "I want to thank the people who took the On Demand bus here today and want to encourage my neighbors here in Rolling Meadows to try out this new service. See if it meets your needs and let us know your experience. It’s an important step to improving public transportation in this area."
State leaders also highlighted the impact the expanded service will have on residents who depend on transit every day.
"When I first took office, one of the first concerns I heard was from a constituent with a physical disability who struggled to access reliable transportation in our community," said State Representative Nabeela Syed (House District 51). "That conversation has stayed with me, and it’s why I’m thrilled to celebrate the expansion of Pace On Demand. This expansion directly addresses real transportation gaps that have made it difficult for residents — especially seniors and people with disabilities — to commute to work, make medical appointments, or go to the grocery store. Pace is working diligently to expand service in the northwest region and provide accessible and affordable transportation, and I’m grateful for the progress they are making for our community."
"Investing in transit means investing in a stronger economy, better‑connected communities, and a more vibrant region," said State Representative Mary Beth Canty (House District 54). "Pace serves as a vital link for my constituents and residents across the Chicagoland area, and expanding service is a big win for everyone who relies on transit. Service expansion also helps attract and retain businesses by better connecting them to workers and customers, making this a great long‑term investment for state and local taxpayers."
State Representative Nicolle Grasse (House District 53) echoed the sentiment, noting how an expanded Pace On Demand service will make communities in the northwest suburbs feel more connected.
"The expansion of this On Demand service is about community connections and how much everyone needs this in our suburban communities, which were built for cars," Grasse said. "The northwest suburbs now have access to other ways of moving around, being together, and connecting with others in our community."
Rolling Meadows has identified expanded transit access as a priority across multiple planning efforts that call for improved stops as well as bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to support transit ridership. The expanded Pace On Demand service advances those goals by providing a flexible connection between residents and key destinations throughout the community.
"We are thrilled to see expanded transit service returning to Rolling Meadows and our neighboring communities," said Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica. "Pace On Demand is an innovative approach that literally meets riders where they are — and every trip demonstrates that demand for quality public transit in the northwest suburbs is real and growing."
Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger emphasized how the expanded service supports both community access and regional connectivity.
“As more people look for ways to get out, socialize, and experience their communities — especially with spring approaching — Pace On Demand provides a reliable way to get there,” Metzger said. “This service reflects Pace’s commitment to innovative solutions that build a more comprehensive and accessible public transportation network.”
In addition to serving local destinations, such as the downtowns of Palatine, Rolling Meadows, and Arlington Heights, as well as Randhurst Mall, Northwest Cook On Demand also connects riders to the broader regional transit system. The service provides access to multiple Metra stations, Pace fixed routes, and the Northwest Transportation Center.
Expanded service hours allow riders to book trips throughout the day, with reservations available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering even greater flexibility.
“On Demand is about convenience, flexibility, and making it easier for people to move around the region,” Metzger added. “We’re excited to bring this expanded option to the northwest suburbs.”
The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting alongside a Pace On Demand vehicle to mark the official launch of the expanded service. For more information about Northwest Cook On Demand and other Pace services, visit www.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.
