Home › COVID-19 › June 19, 2020 Update from the Mayor

June 19, 2020 Update from the Mayor

Posted on Posted in COVID-19
June 19, 2020 Update from the Mayor

No COVID update today, but just a reminder to listen to advice of public health officials.

Message for Pace Bus Riders

As we continue with the phased and cautious reopening of our region, we recognize our responsibility to operate safely, serve a critical public need, and communicate transparently.

Our priority remains the safety of our passengers and personnel. Pace is a vital service that provides crucial transportation access for the communities we serve, including transportation for many essential workers traveling to and from their places of employment. We take that responsibility seriously and will continue do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Please note that, effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 22, we will end our temporary suspension of fare collection and return to front door boarding only. Riders will be required to pay fares on all Pace bus routes, On Demand services, Dial-a-Rides, and ADA Paratransit services. To support efforts to continue to schedule single-passenger ADA Paratransit trips as ridership allows, we will waive fares on City of Chicago Taxi Access Program (TAP) trips until further notice.

All service suspensions remain in effect. We will monitor demand and be prepared to reintroduce services as resources allow and people return to work and regular activities.

We are truly all in this together. Please help us spread the word about what we’re doing to keep everyone safe and what passengers can do to help.

Please find attached a Pace Passenger notice outlining this information – feel free to use for any of your distribution purposes.

We will continue to:

  • Prioritize the safety of our passengers and personnel
  • Deep clean and sanitize vehicles daily
  • Clean high touch surfaces throughout the day
  • Provide operators with PPE
  • Limit seating where possible to encourage social distancing
  • Keep indoor spaces closed
  • Limit on board passengers and add extra vehicles to routes as we are able
  • Temporarily waive TAP fares

Please do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus):

  • Wear a facemask on Pace buses (per Executive Order 2020-32)
  • Wash your hands, cover your cough, don’t touch your face, and stay home if you are sick!
  • Give operators and other riders space; board and take your seat promptly
  • Reconsider unnecessary travel
  • Use your Ventra Card to pay fares and limit crowding at the front of the bus
  • Check if service is running regularly on your route
  • Ride with a personal care attendant if you need physical assistance
  • Please exit through the rear door whenever possible

As the situation develops, Pace’s response may change. Passengers should sign up for email alerts about the services they use at PaceBus.com. More information about Pace’s response to COVID-19 is available at PaceBus.com/Health.

Small Gestures of Kindness from One of Greatest

Have a Great Weekend!

Mayor Mike