Pace Inaugural Electric Bus Enters Service

Pace Suburban Bus, Arlington Heights, IL, debuted its inaugural battery-electric bus at a recent ceremony attended by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and other elected officials and dignitaries. The bus, from GILLIG, is serving passengers in the southwest suburbs, including Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Bridgeview, Hickory Hills, and Palos Hills, and providing connections between the CTA Red Line and Moraine Valley College.

“Pace’s legacy of progress and innovation has led us to this vehicle you see today—which is better for passengers, easier for our bus operators, and cleaner for the environment,” said Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “This marks a pivotal moment for Pace and our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.”

With a commitment to environmental stewardship as a key priority of its Driving Innovation strategic vision plan, Pace is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance air quality in the community. The agency’s Project Zero initiative aims to convert the entire fleet of more than 700 buses to zero-emission vehicles by the year 2040.

“By embracing cutting-edge technology, Pace is not just transforming its fleet, it’s catalyzing a broader conversation about the intersection of public transportation and environmental responsibility,” said Sen. Durbin. “Pace’s leadership in embracing clean energy showcases the potential for transformative change and aligns with our shared vision of propelling our communities toward a greener tomorrow.”