Pace has announced the Pulse Dempster Line begins daily service on Sunday, October 29, 2023.

Pulse Dempster’s purple-branded buses will run every 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring riders along Dempster Street in the northern suburbs reach destinations from Evanston to O’Hare International Airport more quickly.

Pace’s Pulse service offers passengers a counterpart to Pace’s traditional fixed-route service. Pulse Dempster buses communicate directly with traffic control to minimize red lights and lengthen green lights. 

“Since launching the Sunday-only sneak preview service on August 13, we’ve seen a 12% increase in average daily ridership along the corridor compared to 2022. This strong response from riders reflects the demand for faster and more frequent bus service in the area,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “Our expanding Pulse service reflects Pace’s commitment toward innovation that can make public transportation more attractive in Northeastern Illinois. We know that when we build fast and reliable public transportation options, people will choose it.”

TSP Tech Helps Bus Travel Times

TSP technology has been shown to reduce bus travel times in major cities throughout the country. In general, this innovative technology has helped reduce bus travel times by up to 10% and reduce congestion by up to 50% at certain intersections, according to the National Association of City Transportation Officials.

TSP is also deployed on other high-traffic corridors for the benefit of Pace buses throughout the region.

Pulse Dempster's service improves access to a variety of destinations, schools, places of employment, and more, including the O’Hare Multimodal Facility, Lutheran General Hospital, Maine East High School, and Notre Dame High School.

Pulse Dempster riders can connect to other Pace and CTA bus routes, the CTA Yellow and Purple lines, as well as Metra’s Union Pacific North, Northwest, and North Central Service rail lines.

“The Pulse Dempster Line provides a vital connection to O’Hare International Airport for our north and northwest suburban neighbors,” said Jamie L. Rhee, Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “We are thrilled to welcome this convenient and frequent public transit option, which will keep thousands of travelers, workers, and young people connected to the endless variety of journeys and opportunities available at the world's second busiest airport."

Pulse Dempster buses are equipped with passenger amenities, including free Wi-Fi service and charging ports, as well as branded stations with heated shelters and real-time bus tracker information.

Pulse Dempster also improves ADA accessibility, featuring raised bus platforms at all stations that melt ice and snow during inclement weather.