Chicago’s Pace Suburban Bus charged into the future with the debut of its inaugural battery-electric bus.

The state-of-the-art GILLIG bus is now operational on Route 381, serving riders 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.

The significant step toward sustainable transit comes after the bus underwent rigorous testing last year.

“Driving Innovation”

Pace, with its commitment to environmental stewardship as a key priority of the agency’s “Driving Innovation” strategic vision plan, is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance air quality in the community.

Pace’s ambitious initiative, Project Zero, aims to convert its entire fleet of over 700 buses to zero-emission vehicles by the year 2040.

“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 Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “This marks a pivotal moment for Pace and our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.”