Pace Breaks Ground on Region’s First All-Electric Bus Facility

Pace Suburban Bus, Arlington Heights, IL, has broken ground on the renovation of its North Division Garage in Waukegan, set to be the region’s first bus facility designed to support an all-electric fleet.

The upgrades to the facility places Waukegan at the forefront of Project Zero, Pace’s initiative to reduce pollution and honor statewide climate goals by converting its entire bus fleet to zero-emissions technology by 2040.

“Pace is incredibly proud of our commitment to operating a zero-emission fleet, and I am proud of our personnel for embracing this operational change,” said Melinda Metzger, executive director. “Our North Division Garage has always been a major contributor to Lake County, providing public transit to residents including essential workers, seniors, people with disabilities, and students, so I am glad we can make this critical investment to Waukegan.”

The first zero-emission buses are expected to operate out of Waukegan by late 2025, following the installation of 12 chargers and the construction of a covered outdoor charging facility. The second phase of the project, expanding and modernizing the entire garage, is expected to be completed by 2027.

The electrification of the North Division Garage is being funded through Rebuild Illinois and federal grants.