Illinois Governor Helps Pace Celebrate Agency’s Latest Investment In South Chicago Suburbs

Governor JB Pritzker speaks at the grand opening of Pace’s new facility in Markham, IL. (Photo courtesy of Pace)

Pace Suburban Bus recently welcomed Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Representative William Q. Davis, Illinois State Representative Robert Rita, Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Ozman, and Markham, IL, Mayor Roger Agpawa, along with other state and community leaders, to celebrate the completion of Pace’s new facility in Markham.

“Pace’s latest investment in the south suburbs of Chicago marks a significant milestone in modernizing operations, bolstering the agency’s south suburban workforce, and enhancing central safety and training, including the introduction of a bus operator training course,” according to a press release.

“Not only does this project make Pace a more efficient and modern part of our transit system, but it also prioritizes clean and efficient energy growth — a win across the board,” Pritzker said. “Rebuild Illinois is funding projects like this all across the state, making a stronger Illinois that works better for its people.”

“The Markham campus project was made possible by a $7.1 million investment from the governor’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program and an additional $27.1 million in state funding,” the release added. “Additional funding was provided by the Federal Transportation Authority ($1.3 million), Regional Transportation Authority Bonds ($1.9 million), and Pace capital funds ($2.6 million).

“The Markham site has spurred economic development through job creation and will improve access to employment by supporting Pace service throughout the south suburbs.”

“Investing in Pace and public transportation is not only a commitment to mobility and access to opportunity but also a strategic investment that generates returns for our region’s economy,” Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger said. “In addition to this building, this campus will be home to our customer relations, sign and shelter crew, our IT backup data center, and safety and training staff.”