Pace’s Proposed 2025 Budget: More Service And No Fare Increases

Pace (Arlington Heights, IL) unveiled its proposed 2025 budget at the agency’s Board of Directors’ meeting on September 18, marking the beginning of the public input process on the coming year’s plan for operating costs and capital investments.

“This year’s budget features a robust capital program and fully funded operational budgets for both fixed route and paratransit services, with no fare increases or reductions in service,” according to a press release. “In fact, 2025 will see more service on the road to meet the growing market demand from both returning and new riders.”

Starting on Oct. 18, 2024, Pace will hold a series of in-person and virtual public hearings to present its proposed 2025 Operating Budget, 2026-2027 Two-Year Financial Plan, and 2025-2029 Five-Year Capital Program. The full schedule of hearings will be available at www.PaceBus.com on Sept. 25, 2024.

The release added: “The balanced 2025 budget upholds Pace’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while advancing the agency’s mission to provide accessible, equitable, and innovative public transportation, including critical capital infrastructure investments.”

“It’s great to see that we’re going to be able to move forward with a number of projects next year, including the electrification of our North Division, our ADA facility in Schaumburg, IL, and our South Acceptance facility in Markham, IL,” Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski said.

Building on initiatives from the previous year, the 2025 budget continues to offer ADA-certified customers, using a valid RTA ADA Paratransit Permit ID card, free fares on the Pace fixed-route bus system. The budget also includes provisions to enhance service frequency, add trips, and provide additional subsidy support for Pace’s dial-a-ride partners.

Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger noted that the proposed budget, “Will power our agency with critical investments and service initiatives that put the needs of our riders first and continues our positive momentum to address our region’s evolving mobility habits.”

Pace staff will report on feedback from the upcoming public hearings during the November Board of Directors’ meeting, where the Board will consider adopting the final budget before submitting it to the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) for approval.