Officials Celebrate Launch Of New Pace ‘Lansing Area On Demand’ Service

Shown, left to right, are: State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore, Pace Chairman Richard A. Kwasneski, Village of Lansing Mayor Patricia L. Eidam, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger, and Pace Board Member Terry R. Wells. (Photo courtesy of Pace)

Pace (Arlington Heights, IL) recently celebrated the launch of the new Lansing (IL) Area On Demand. The newest shared-ride, reservation-based public transportation option marks another step in improving mobility across the region.

Cook County (IL) President Toni Preckwinkle, State Representative Marcus Evans, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore, Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam, and other local officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the Lansing Municipal Center. The service, which began operations on October 7, provides vital first-mile/last-mile connections, enhancing transit accessibility for the community.

“Today’s event celebrates a goal achieved — we have brought an innovative mobility option to people who need it,” Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski said. “That includes hardworking people who need affordable access to transportation, and families who need access to education, medical care, groceries, and employment.”

Building on this, Pace Board Member Terry Wells emphasized the agency’s strong presence in the region.

“While some might deem the communities in the Southland as under-served, I can tell you that they’re certainly not underserved by Pace,” Wells said. “This latest improvement for residents of south Cook (County) comes alongside our newest safety, training and customer relations center in Markham, the future Pulse Halsted Line, the future Pulse 95^th Street Line, and the forthcoming $70 million rebuild of the Harvey Transportation Center. Great things are happening in the south suburbs.”

According to a press release, “The Lansing Area On Demand is Pace’s latest mobility initiative, offering affordable, flexible, and accessible transportation to residents in Lansing and surrounding communities. This service allows riders to book rides for local trips or to connect with major transit routes, providing essential first-mile/last-mile connections. It’s designed to improve access to critical destinations such as schools, health care facilities, shopping centers, and workplaces. By offering convenient, on-demand rides, this service enhances transportation options for all residents, including those who may have limited access to traditional public transit.”

Overall, Pace offers transit options for the residents of 274 municipalities in the northeastern Illinois counties of Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry. One of the largest bus services in North America, Pace covers 3,677 square miles.