Chicago Construction News staff writer
Pace Suburban Bus on Monday celebrated the completion of the first phase of its North Division garage modernization, creating a facility capable of charging a full fleet of battery-electric buses.
The ribbon-cutting marks the opening of Pace’s first large-scale bus charging depot, which features 10 pedestal chargers and two overhead pantographs for high-speed charging. The project is a key step toward converting all 60 North Division buses to electric vehicles.
“Today, we celebrate a historic milestone: the first phase of converting the infrastructure at North Division to support the operation of a zero-emission fleet,” Pace Board Member Linda Soto said. “This project reinforces that Pace will deliver on the investments made into our system, and with the completion of phase one, we are looking forward to the renovation of this entire facility so we can operate a fully electric fleet here at North Division.”
Phase One was funded with $12.5 million from Rebuild Illinois, which also supported installation of high-voltage electrical equipment, a stormwater detention system, and reconstruction of the parking lot. Additional state and federal funding, including a Community Project Funding grant from Congressman Brad Schneider and a grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, is supporting the purchase of electric buses.
“Because of the Community Project Funding that I secured more than two years ago, Pace is now expanding the vital infrastructure needed to support zero-emission buses,” Schneider said. “That means cleaner air, quieter streets, and more reliable transit for the entire community.”
State leaders also praised the milestone. Illinois Senator Mike Simmons called the project “a rollout of an all-electric bus fleet [that] serves those who rely on public transportation and accelerates Illinois’ path toward clean energy.” Senator Adriane Johnson, State Representatives Rita Mayfield and Joyce Mason, and Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart also highlighted benefits including cleaner air, job creation, and more reliable transit.
Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger said the project reflects the agency’s commitment to the community. “The people who keep this system running are not just employees; they are part of a family that believes deeply in public service,” she said.
