Pace Suburban Bus Division Of The Regional Transportation Auth

The meeting agenda includes reports from the Chairman, Directors, and Executive Director regarding operational activities. Key action items involve authorizing a contract change order for the Northwest Transportation Center ADA transfer facility, adopting updated advertising guidelines, and approving corporate travel and business expenses. The board will also review the annual year-end financial audit reports, approve an amendment to the suburban operating budget to fund security barrier installations and expanded service staffing, and authorize a contract for software platform upgrades. Additionally, the session includes a review of budget results and financial statements, as well as administrative items concerning closed session records.

The board discussed the transition to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act legislation and its impact on regional service standards and funding. Key topics included the ReVision systemwide restructuring plan, with an emphasis on balancing ridership-oriented service and coverage-oriented service to optimize future funding. Updates were provided on vanpool expansion, the introduction of hybrid buses to the fleet, and service enhancements scheduled for upcoming months. Additionally, the board authorized several contract change orders and awarded a major contract for paratransit and mobility management services in McHenry County. The board also reviewed the internal audit plan and discussed strategies for addressing service gaps in under-invested areas of the region.

The board discussed several operational and financial matters, including the 2024 budget and capital program, as well as the 2024-2025 financial plan. Key discussion topics included janitorial service contracts, the acquisition of a paratransit battery electric bus, implementation of cloud software for enterprise performance management, and subscription renewals for service management software. Reports were provided on ridership trends, transit agency collaborations, the launch of Pulse Dempster service, and ongoing recruitment efforts. Additionally, the board reviewed the integration of On Demand services into the transit app and addressed pending litigation in a closed session.

The Board of Directors discussed various operational updates, including the Northwest Transportation Center renovation and ADA accessibility improvements. Reports were provided regarding Disability Pride Month, the launch of Pace Connect service, and status updates on bus operator recruitment and CDL training partnerships. CMAP staff presented information on the Plan of Action for Regional Transit, addressing fiscal challenges and potential governance reforms for regional transit systems. The board authorized a contract for pest control services, the permanent operation of Route 697, and a contract for dedicated paratransit services in North Cook County.

The Board of Directors discussed various operational updates, including the NITA Act transition and governance structure changes. Reports were provided on new Van Go services, the return of express bus service for sporting events, and service pilot expansions across several routes. Key actions included the authorization of a contract for 36 new hybrid electric buses, amendments to the 2026 Suburban Capital Budget to accommodate bus purchases, and an extension of an industrial lease agreement. The Board also reviewed progress on the ReVision network revitalization initiative and discussed pending litigation and closed session minutes.