Regional ADA Paratransit budget funds RAP and TAP programs through March
At its October 2025 meeting on Thursday, the Pace Board of Directors approved the release of the agency’s proposed 2026 Operating and Capital Budget for public review. Pace’s Suburban Service Operating Budget is balanced to the Regional Transportation Authority’s (RTA) funding marks, which are 3.1% lower than 2025 funding levels. This proposed budget maintains current suburban fixed route service levels and invests in critical infrastructure.
Like many transit agencies across the country, Pace and their peer agencies are approaching a fiscal cliff as federal relief funds expire and operating expenses rise, according to Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. The 2026 Suburban Service Operating Budget includes a proposed 10% average fare increase for all services as directed by the RTA. This is Pace’s first fare increase since 2018.
“Pace is committed to providing as much service as possible with the funding that we have available,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “We know this will be difficult for some riders, and these are not easy decisions.”
The proposed budget also includes $13.8 million in operating efficiencies through the delay of planned service improvements, a hiring freeze, and other administrative expense reductions.
The 2026 Regional ADA Paratransit budget is balanced to the RTA-approved funding levels with a proposed fare increases from $3.25 to $3.50 for all ADA services. The budget also maintains the RTA-mandated 30-trip cap on Pace’s Rideshare Access Program (RAP) and Taxi Access Program (TAP) services, which are funded to operate through the first quarter of 2026.
Pace will hold nine public hearings across its six-county service area to present its proposed 2026 budget, capital program, and financial plan. Hearings will take place October 17–28, 2025, including one virtual session to ensure broad accessibility. Details on times and locations are available at PaceBus.com.
Pace’s 2026 proposed budget balances fiscal responsibility with the agency’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation. The agency invites riders, stakeholders, and community members to participate in the public hearing process and share feedback.
Public Hearing Schedule
| Will County | Friday, October 17, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Joliet Public Library |
| Cook County (North) | Monday, October 20, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Lincolnwood Community Center |
| Lake County | Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Waukegan Public Library |
| Kane County | Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Kane County Government Center |
| DuPage County | Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | DuPage County JTK Administration Building |
| Cook County (Central) | Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Chicago Public Library Austin Branch |
| Virtual Hearing | Friday, October 24, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. | Zoom |
| Cook County (South) | Monday, October 27, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Woodson Regional Library |
| McHenry County | Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Crystal Lake City Hall |
