Pace Suburban Bus hosted a ribbon cutting Oct. 5 to celebrate the expansion of the Round Lake Area On Demand, a change that more than doubles the service area and adds more vehicles to the program, providing additional flexible weekday service to a larger portion of western Lake County.
Pace On Demand is an innovative alternative to traditional bus service, which offers a reservation-based, shared-ride service in 10 designated service areas throughout the suburban region at the same low fare as Pace’s fixed route bus services ($2 with Ventra, $2.25 with cash).
“This exciting program will increase access to opportunity, employment, education and more for the people of Lake County,” said Pace Director Linda Soto. “It means increased accessibility, enhanced mobility and stronger connections to transit services, businesses and jobs in our area.”
The expanded zone, bounded on the north by Monaville Road and Fox Lake, on the west by IL 12, and on the south by Big Hollow Road, Long Lake Road and Round Lake Road, now includes portions of Fox Lake, Long Lake, Ingleside and Round Lake Heights. The new zone enhances the area’s overall transit network by providing new connections with Pace Routes 570 and 806 and with Metra’s MD-North and NCS Lines.
“I’m proud of this service expansion and the tremendous work Pace has undertaken to enhance our family of services and create a strong network of access throughout our region, including the Round Lake area,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “Our growing On Demand services in Northeastern Illinois truly reflect our commitment to finding innovative solutions that can help build a more comprehensive public transportation system for our region.”
The service continues to have timed transfers at the College of Lake County and operates weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Passengers reserve a trip online or by phone. Later in October, the new On Demand mobile app will debut, offering smartphone users an easy way to book, view or cancel reservations.
On Demand service is wheelchair accessible and is open to the general public. Pace On Demand accepts cash, Ventra and Ventra transfers. The service honors the Reduced Fare Policy. For those eligible customers, the fare is only $1.
