Melinda Metzger

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.

The hearing was held to gather public feedback on Pace's proposed 2022 operating and capital budget programs, the 2022-2024 financial plan for operations, and the 2022-2026 capital plan. The proposed budget includes a fully funded operational budget for fixed route and paratransit services, a robust capital plan, and no fare increase. The budget includes $15 million in new and restored services, including investments in fixed route service, regional partnerships and transportation network companies, and demand-responsive services. There will be continued infrastructure expansion, including new operating divisions, ADA transfer facilities, renovations at the Harvey Transportation Center, and enhancements to paratransit technology. The 2022 suburban service budget is balanced with available funding and no fare increases, achieved using federal coronavirus relief funding. The capital program totals $57 million, primarily for rolling stock, support facilities, and equipment. The regional ADA paratransport transit operating budget is also balanced to available funding without a fare increase.

The meeting addressed sustainable funding for public transit, progress on the "United We Move" bill, and re-election congratulations to Pace Board members. Reports covered the North Division garage electrification groundbreaking, the RTA Summit, and a Community Project Funding grant for electric paratransit vehicles. The Executive Director reported on Earth Day initiatives, the Mobility on Demand Innovator Award, potential service reductions due to the fiscal cliff, and ridership statistics. Other topics included budget reports, approval of contracts, Title VI policy updates, and the Regional Day Pass Pilot Program. Public comments concerned service cuts, employee terminations, safety, and vehicle maintenance.