Pace Suburban Bus celebrated the launch of its expanded Northwest Cook County On Demand service, providing shared-ride transit service across the northwest suburbs.

The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.

“Today marks an important milestone for public transportation in northwest Cook County,” said Pace Director Chris Canning. “We’re proud to expand this service in partnership with our local communities and Cook County and to offer residents a flexible shared-ride option.”

Expanded On Demand Service

Northwest Cook On Demand is one of 11 Pace On Demand services operating in the region. Riders can book trips through a mobile app as little as 10 minutes in advance and travel within the service zone through a shared-ride system.

“On Demand strengthens access and provides an affordable transportation option for people who need to get where they’re going,” said Pace Director Bill McLeod, who represents northwest Cook County. “This service helps riders reach medical appointments, attend classes, shop for groceries and access jobs.”

The service connects riders to destinations including Harper College, Fremd High School and Northwest Community Hospital, as well as local downtown areas and shopping destinations. Riders can book trips through the Pace On Demand mobile app for $4 round trip.

“Expanding Pace On Demand service in the northwest suburbs is an important step toward making transit more flexible and accessible,” said Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison. “By improving connections to destinations such as the Palatine Metra Station and Harper College, this expansion will make it easier for people to get to work, school and other services.”

Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor encouraged residents to try the service and provide feedback on their experience.

Community and Regional Connections

State leaders also noted the potential impact of the expanded service for residents who rely on transit.

“When I first took office, one of the first concerns I heard was from a constituent with a physical disability who struggled to access reliable transportation,” said State Rep. Nabeela Syed, D-51st. “This expansion helps address transportation gaps that have made it difficult for residents, including seniors and people with disabilities, to commute to work, attend medical appointments or run daily errands.”

State Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-54th, said expanded transit service can help connect workers, businesses and communities across the region.

State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-53rd, said the service expansion will help improve mobility in suburban communities that have historically relied heavily on cars.

Rolling Meadows has identified expanded transit access as a priority in planning efforts that call for improved stops and better bicycle and pedestrian connections to transit.

“We are pleased to see expanded transit service returning to Rolling Meadows and our neighboring communities,” said Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica. “Pace On Demand is designed to provide flexible service for riders across the northwest suburbs.”

Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger said the expanded service supports both local access and connections to the regional transit network.

Regional Transit Access

In addition to serving destinations such as the downtown areas of Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Arlington Heights, as well as Randhurst Mall, Northwest Cook On Demand connects riders to the regional transit system. The service provides access to several Metra stations, Pace fixed routes and the Northwest Transportation Center.

Expanded service hours allow riders to book trips between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

“On Demand is designed to make it easier for people to move around the region,” Metzger said.

The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside a Pace On Demand vehicle to mark the launch of the expanded service.