In 2025, Pace delivered targeted, strategic improvements across Lake County that enhanced mobility for service members, civilian employees, veterans, and families connected to Naval Station Great Lakes. As the Navy’s only boot camp and one of the region’s most important institutions, the station is a major employment center and a critical hub for military training and veteran services.
Route 563: Expanded Weekend Service for the Navy Community
Pace Route 563, which connects downtown Waukegan, North Chicago, and key destinations including Naval Station Great Lakes, received new weekend service in 2025. This expansion ensures that sailors, staff, and visitors have more reliable mobility options every day of the week.
Route 563 also links riders to:
- Lovell Federal Health Care Center, serving active-duty personnel and veterans
- Three Metra UP‑North Line stations, improving regional connectivity
- Employment, education, and essential services in Waukegan and North Chicago
For many, these improvements mean easier access to medical appointments, off‑base errands, and weekend travel.
Pace Route 563 weekday service runs hourly from early morning until approximately 6:30 PM. Saturday and Sunday service operates from late morning through 7:45 PM. See detailed schedule information at PaceBus.com/route/563 and plan your trip at PaceBus.com/trip-planner.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Beyond the improvements serving Naval Station Great Lakes, Pace strengthened the broader Lake County transit network in 2025 with targeted upgrades across several key routes. Route 564 gained longer hours and more frequent trips between downtown Waukegan and Fountain Square, while Route 565 added new Saturday service to improve access to the College of Lake County. Additional weekday and Saturday trips were added on Routes 569 and 571, enhancing connections to the Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Zion, and other major destinations. Together, these changes expanded access to jobs, education, healthcare, and community services throughout northern Lake County.
Pace also advanced flexible mobility options that continue to grow in popularity. The Round Lake Area OnDemand zone expanded, and Pace partnered with Avon Township to help seniors learn to use the service. Lake County remains a leader in van‑based programs, with 37 Vanpools now serving the Lovell Federal Health Care Center — more than any other site in the region — and continued growth in VanGo service from Metra stations in Deerfield and Lake Forest. Pace also expanded its Advantage Van Program with Lambs Farm and Pioneer Center and is working with the City of North Chicago and the Midwest Veterans Closet to assess future transportation needs at their new Green Bay Road location.
