Pace Breaks Ground on Calumet City Paratransit Transfer Facility, Expanding Accessibility in the South Suburbs

Pace Suburban Bus joined federal, state, and local officials recently to celebrate the start of construction on a new paratransit transfer facility in Calumet City, IL—another major step forward in the agency’s longstanding commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

The new Calumet City Paratransit Transfer Facility, funded primarily through the State of Illinois’ Rebuild Illinois capital program, will be the region’s second dedicated ADA paratransit transfer hub. The project will make travel easier, safer, and more comfortable for people with disabilities, older adults, and others who rely on public transportation in the south suburbs.

For Pace, the project represents another important milestone in its ongoing systemwide modernization efforts. “As one of the nation’s largest paratransit providers, Pace takes pride in leading the way on accessibility and innovation,” said Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “Everything we do focuses on improving the experience for our riders and expanding opportunity for all. The improvements in Calumet City ensure our region remains accessible and inclusive, giving people the freedom and independence to get where they need to go.”

Once complete, the new facility will feature a modern indoor waiting area, toilets, and six paratransit bus bays designed to serve the more than 3,500 boardings that occur at the site each month. It will also provide improved connections to Pace Routes 353, 358, and 364.

The Calumet City Paratransit Transfer Facility follows the recent opening of Pace’s first dedicated ADA Paratransit Facility at the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg. Together, these projects underscore the agency’s proactive approach to expanding access, improving coordination between services, and ensuring public transportation continues to meet the needs of all riders.

“This project is a testament to what can happen when local governments, state leaders, and transit agencies work together with a shared vision,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “Beyond improving transportation options, projects like this drive economic development. Construction projects support good-paying jobs, and better transit access connects people to employment, education, healthcare, and commerce.”