Pace and local officials celebrated the launch of Pace Connect, a new transit service designed to provide a first and last mile transit option during late night hours in two designated zones. The service, which is funded in part thanks to grants received from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois and Cook County, provides crucial transportation connections geared towards third shift workers.
Pace Connect is a shared ride service where a rider can book a trip through the new Pace Connect app (available in App Store and Google Play) or through a call center for those who do not have access to a smartphone at a moment’s notice to easily connect with nearby transit stations, or in some cases, be dropped off at their home.
The app, which is powered by Via, uses algorithms to match riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle – maximizing the service’s efficiency and affordability. Rides cost $2 each (or less if the rider pays by Ventra and transfers from a fixed route service) and riders can pay by credit card through the Pace Connect app or by using in-vehicle Ventra Card readers.
“We’re excited to unveil yet another innovation today,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “This addition to Pace’s family of services provides a new option for third-shift workers, enhancing job access for underserved communities. It is important that Pace continues to explore innovative approaches to providing service as northeastern Illinois’s transit system faces a fiscal cliff in the coming years.”
“This is yet another example of Pace working with our peers at RTA and Cook County to enhance and integrate service in the south suburbs,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “Riders can now utilize Pace, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra service at all hours and still have a way to get from our transportation center to work or to home.”
How to ride with Pace Connect
Harvey Area Zone: Riders can book a Pace Connect ride to travel between Pace’s Harvey Transportation Center and any address in a defined zone surrounding the facility, presenting a new way to connect with Pace Route 352 and the Metra Electric District. Employer sites within this zone include, but are not limited to, University of Chicago Ingalls Memorial Hospital, South Suburban College and the Amazon warehouse in Markham:
- Tuesday--Friday 12 a.m. – 5 a.m.
- Saturday 11 p.m. – Sunday 6 a.m.
- Sunday 11 p.m. – Monday 5 a.m.
O’Hare Businesses Zone: Riders can book a Pace Connect ride to travel between select employers at the O’Hare Airport cargo area and the Rosemont CTA Blue Line Station, where they can connect with the CTA’s “L” rapid transit service. Employer sites within this zone include, but are not limited to, airline and mail cargo areas, airport hotels and airport catering sites:
- Every day, 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., including holidays.
