[il-talk] Fwd: Pace Moving Forward: October 24, 2014

[Robert Hansen]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Pace Moving Forward: October 24, 2014
Date: 	Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:57:16 +0000
From: 	Govt Affairs <govt.affairs at Pacebus.com>
To: 	Govt Affairs <govt.affairs at Pacebus.com>



Thank you for subscribing to the text-only version of Pace's e-newsletter, Moving Forward. If at any time, you have questions, feedback, or wish to update your subscription, please reply to this message or contact us at govt.affairs at pacebus.com.

Pace External Relations

+ + + + +

Pace Moving Forward
Volume 11, Issue 18
October 24, 2014

Pace breaks ground on South Campus

Job creation, investment in Chicago's south suburbs and efficiency were the themes as Governor Pat Quinn and a number of south suburban legislators and mayors joined Pace leaders for a ceremony breaking ground on October 11 in Markham. At the event, Governor Quinn announced that the state will provide $45 million of capital funding for the project.
The South Campus facility will be built adjacent to the existing Pace South Division garage. It will be comprised of three buildings providing space for a paratransit reservation and dispatch center, Pace's customer service department, safety and training, a body shop, vehicle acceptance/preparation, and a parts warehouse. Many of these functions are shared across multiple Pace locations, so consolidation at the South Campus is expected to result in better efficiency. An estimated 550 jobs are expected to be created by the construction. When completed,  300 people will be employed at the facility- in addition to the approximately 260 people working at South Division.
Combined with upcoming work to retrofit South Division to operate CNG-powered buses, Pace is investing over $100 million in construction and vehicles for southern Cook County.

Pace, CTA, Metra announce Ventra(r) app

Pace, CTA and Metra are collaborating on a smartphone app for Ventra to bring even more convenience to customers- including  buying Metra tickets using their Ventra transit account.
The app will be rolled out in a phased approach. Initially, users will be able to manage their Ventra account and access mobile Metra ticketing, along with other features. By the time the final phase is released, the app will offer trip planning services and the ability to pay fares using a Ventra transit account by holding their smartphone to the reader on Pace buses and CTA trains and buses (with compatible smartphones only).
"Convenience is paramount to the Ventra system, and this app will offer customers with smartphones the ability to manage their Ventra account, add transit value and passes and other functions  while on the go," said Pace Board Chairman Richard Kwasneski. "We're very excited to have Metra join Pace and CTA in offering Ventra to the region's transit riders."

All-new Batavia Call-N-Ride launches

Batavia residents and visitors can now take advantage of reservation-based, curb-to-curb transit service. The service is open to the general public and operates within a defined zone, picking up passengers and dropping them off anywhere within the designated zones.
The route provides connections to locations including the Geneva Metra Station, Fermilab, the Kane County Government Center, and shopping on Randall Road. The base fare is $1.75.
Plan a trip within the designated area  and book your trip at least one hour in advance. Trips are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. You can also call one day in advance to schedule a trip. Subscription trips may be available.
For more information, please visit the Call-n-Ride section of Pacebus.com, found under the 'Schedules/Maps' tab.

The newsletter for stakeholders of America's most efficient suburban transit agency
www.pacebus.com
Customer Relations: (847) 364-7223
Copyright 2014, Pace Suburban Bus