Local officials and transit leaders mark expanded midday transit options and key regional connections to Metra and other Pace routes
WOODSTOCK, IL — Pace today joined local leaders and regional transit partners at the McHenry County Administrative Building for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the launch of pilot service improvements providing expanded, all-day bus service on routes 806 and 808.
The event celebrated the expansion of transit options connecting Woodstock, Crystal Lake, McHenry, Harvard, and Johnsburg, developed with the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) to improve public transportation access across northeastern Illinois.
“At Pace, our goals are clear. We are working to enhance our fixed-route service wherever practical and add frequency to make regional transit more accessible and reliable for our riders,” said Pace Board Member Erin Smith. “I’m proud to see these efforts happening in McHenry County.”
Featured speakers at the ceremony included McHenry County Chairman Mike Buehler, NITA and Metra Board Member Brian Sager, Pace Board Member Erin Smith, and Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.
Highlighting the countywide impact, McHenry County Board Chairman Mike Buehler noted the importance of dependable public transit in connecting residents to essential county services, employment centers, and healthcare access. “With the creation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority came the promise that McHenry County and the rest of the Chicago region would benefit from greater and more reliable mass-transit service. With the expansion of Pace Suburban Bus service in McHenry County, I’m pleased to see that promises made are starting to be promises kept, not even a year after the legislation creating NITA was signed into law,” County Board Chairman Mike Buehler said.
“Expanding transit service and strengthening connections between communities are key to building a stronger, more connected regional transit system,” said NITA Interim Executive Director Jamie Rhee. “These improvements will bring more frequent, reliable service to McHenry County, making it easier for residents to access jobs, essential services and destinations throughout the region. We’re proud to partner with Pace to deliver on the goals of the NITA Act and make public transportation more accessible and useful for riders.”
"This service expansion reflects Pace’s continued commitment to delivering flexible, reliable public transit for McHenry County residents," said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. "By filling midday service gaps and improving connections to Metra and regional destinations, we are making it easier for people to travel for work, medical appointments, shopping, and everyday errands without relying solely on a personal vehicle."
Key Service Enhancements
The pilot expansion introduces major trip frequency and routing upgrades across two key McHenry County routes:
- Route 806 (Crystal Lake to Johnsburg via McHenry): Doubles daily trips by adding 12 new weekday trips, providing service every 30 to 90 minutes throughout the day. Midday service now runs hourly between Crystal Lake Metra Station and the Walmart in Johnsburg. Southbound buses seamlessly connect to Route 808 to provide through-service to Woodstock.
- Route 808 (Crystal Lake to Harvard via Woodstock): Delivers weekday service every 20 to 60 minutes throughout the day. Midday additions feature a new "G" trip pattern directly serving essential civic destinations, including the McHenry County Government Center and the Woodstock Secretary of State Facility. Eastbound buses continue onto Route 806 to offer through-service to Johnsburg.
In addition to schedule updates, Crystal Lake transfers between Pace and Metra are being upgraded with enhanced real-time arrival signage in coordination with NITA. On Routes 806, 807, and 808, passengers can board or exit at any safe intersection along the route, offering flexible service options across the county.
As part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to modernize its system, Pace’s ReVision Draft plan is now available for review and public comment. ReVision is a proposal to increase suburban bus service by 50% with more frequent, connected, and accessible service across the region. Learn more and take the survey at PaceBus.com/ReVision.
For full schedule details, route maps, and trip planning assistance, 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 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.