Quinn announces PACE buses are now authorized as “off-road vehicles”
PACE buses begin riding the I-55 shoulder on November 14.
(CHICAGO) – Governor Pat Quinn and suburban public transit officials today officially announced the November 14 launch of the region’s first Bus on Shoulder program that designates Pace buses as “off-road vehicles” the Stevenson Expressway’s inside shoulder during heavy congestion.
This is one state program that is designed go off-track.
“This program will give commuters a safe, reliable and convenient transportation alternative,” Quinn said. “The buses will help ease congestion and improve air quality while keeping riders connected and productive with free Wi-Fi.”
Under the new Bus on Shoulder program, Pace routes 755 and 855, which connect the southwest suburbs, downtown Chicago and the Illinois Medical District, will be allowed to use the inside inbound shoulder for the morning rush hour and inside outbound shoulder for the afternoon return trip.
“Our program is modeled after similar operations in other cities that have existed for many years to provide safe, efficient and money-saving service to commuters,” said Pace Board Chairman Richard Kwasneski.
Cities such as Minneapolis, Miami and Cincinnati also have similar programs.
Buses can use the shoulders as a passing lane only when traffic is moving slower than 35 mph. They will be restricted to traveling no more than 15 mph over the top speed of vehicles in the expressway lanes and never greater than 35 mph.
