Margaret Schilling

Pace outlines its strategic initiatives for 2026, focusing on expanding fixed-route bus service by 10% and advancing new Pulse Lines. The plan prioritizes maintaining accessibility through the Rideshare Access Program and Taxi Access Program, expanding On Demand service options, investing in hybrid and zero-emission vehicles, and keeping fares affordable. These efforts aim to enhance mobility, strengthen services, and build a more connected future for the region.

The agenda includes reports from the Chairman, Directors, and Executive Director, along with the presentation of the 2025 Pacesetter Employee of the Year Awards. Action items involve resolutions honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson and commemorating Transit Employee Appreciation Day, as well as an ordinance regarding travel and business expense controls. Additional action items include the authorization of a contract for architectural and engineering services for garage roof and exterior building repairs, and a change order for the construction of the Pace South Campus Acceptance Facility. The board will also review Suburban Service and Regional ADA budget results and financial statements.

The I-290/I-88 Express Bus Study Final Plan, prepared for Pace Suburban Bus, outlines a strategic direction to expand fast and reliable bus-on-shoulder transit service along the I-290 and I-88 corridors. The plan aims to improve regional connectivity and access to jobs, education, and essential services for residents and workers in the west suburbs. Key areas of focus include assessing existing conditions, analyzing market demand, developing effective service routes and station locations, and recommending infrastructure improvements. The overarching goal is to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and ensure equitable transportation access for underserved communities, with initial service implementation projected for 2029 and a planning horizon extending to 2050.

The meeting agenda includes standard preliminary items such as the Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, Public Comment, and reports from the Chairman, Directors, and Executive Director. The Consent Agenda features the approval of a resolution honoring 2025 Retirees and ordinances authorizing the filing of 2026 grant applications. It also includes authorizing contract awards for overhead door replacement, environmental consulting services, legal services for workers' compensation, and building automation system services. Action Items involve authorizing a contract for website maintenance and a significant change order for the transit signal priority (TSP) systems design and deployment. Discussions are scheduled for the TSP Program Expansion, the I-290/I-88 Express Bus Study Final Plan, the Rideshare Access Program (RAP) Update, and the Suburban Service and Regional ADA Budget Results for November 2025, alongside the Financial Statement for November 2025.

The meeting included a Chairman's report, where key individuals and organizations were recognized for passing the Northern Illinois Transportation Authority Act (NITA Act) SB 2111. There were also directors' reports, where they thanked Melinda and Doug for their advocacy for Pace service and discussed the potential for the region's future because of the new transit legislation. The Executive Director reported on the historic month of activity with the passing of the NITA Act transit legislation. The board also discussed the 2026 Operating Budget and 2027-2028 Two-Year Financial Plan for Suburban Service and Regional ADA Paratransit Service, the 2026-2030 Five-Year Capital Program, and 2026 appropriation of funds.