Pace Suburban Bus is launching initiatives to enhance commuter experiences across several suburbs with the start of construction on the Dempster Street Pulse line and the introduction of a new rapid bus service extending between Evanston and O'Hare International Airport. According to the Chicago Tribune, construction began last Monday at bus stops on westbound Dempster near Austin Avenue, and eastbound Dempster near Harlem Avenue, which is anticipated to be completed by Saturday.
The busy Dempster Street has seen reduced traffic to one lane around the construction sites, advised a village of Morton Grove electronic newsletter. This work is part of an ongoing program to boost the Dempster Pulse line that connects Morton Grove to O'Hare Airport, and includes upgrades like WiFi and heated shelters at bus stops. The Dempster Pulse Line started last summer and significantly aims to quickly connect travelers to major transit hubs.
Simultaneously, Pace is set to officially open its second "Pulse" rapid bus-service line, promising expedited travel between Evanston and O'Hare. NBC Chicago reports that the Dempster line will primarily operate on Dempster Street as it makes its way through northern suburbs. The service is designed to intersect with several CTA lines and Metra corridors, improving the overall transit network.
The new Pulse Dempster line will function with increased frequency, running every 15 minutes for the majority of the day, planned to fully begin in the fall. Despite being previewed with 10-to-20-minute intervals, the service extends fare affordability, offering reduced fares for qualifying riders. Buses will be equipped with free Wi-Fi, digital displays, and seating for up to 43 passengers while being clearly marked by easily recognizable purple designs, states Pace officials.
For those looking to attend this launch, a press event will unfold Wednesday with notable figures such as Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski, Executive Director Melinda Metzger, and Illinois State Sen. Laura Murphy slated to attend. This expansion of the "Pulse" service looks to readily improve connectivity for communities like Evanston, Skokie, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, and Rosemont, promising to shape travel convenience in the suburbs of Chicago.
