Pace Special Events Service Grows in Scope and Ridership Numbers; New Service Added to Buffett Concerts Labor Day Weekend

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill.--Aug. 3, 20050, 2005--If you haven't tried Pace's Special Events service yet, you're in for a pleasant surprise. The buses are clean and comfortable; you avoid traffic, save money on gas and parking, and arrive a short walk from your destination. Parking is free at pick-up points and the round trip fare only $7.50. The fare is even less for small groups. When you purchase 6 or more tickets, the cost is only $5 each.

The concept of providing express service to special events was first developed at Pace about 10 years ago. Pace has kept adding new events since then, its latest addition being express buses to the Jimmy Buffett concerts at Wrigley Field during the Labor Day weekend. Pick-up points have also been added. All Special Event services operate from the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg, and more recently some trips also depart from Yorktown Center in Lombard. Occasionally there is another stop along the way.

Pace started the service hoping to attract people who might not otherwise use public transportation in the suburbs. Ridership numbers indicate the idea of taking a bus directly to your destination has grown more popular. The Cubs Roundtripper, the agency's first Special Events service, is on track to break ridership records this year. Through August, ridership per game, about 275 passengers, is up 52% compared to 2004. Roundtripper ridership has nearly tripled since its mid-nineties start of less than 3,000 riders for the season to more 11,000 in 2004.

The Cubs Roundtripper is still operating and the Bears Shuttle, available for every home game, just got underway and runs through the postseason. Upcoming in November is the Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights Express. Visit www.pacebus.com for more information on Pace's Special Events buses or call the Special Events Line at 847-228-2416. Tickets can be purchased on online or on the bus with exact cash fare only.