WeDriveU extends Pace transit contracts through 2029

WeDriveU has extended two paratransit and on-demand contracts with Pace Suburban Bus Service in Cook County, Illinois, keeping the partnership in place through 2029. The renewal covers service for more than 800,000 annual riders and adds new safety technology as Pace enters a new regional transit framework.

Why it matters: - The contract extensions keep paratransit and on-demand service running for riders who depend on accessible transportation in Cook County and the Chicago area. - Pace serves as the second-largest provider of paratransit service in the United States. - The renewal supports a decade-long partnership that covers more than 800,000 annual riders. - The agreement also comes as Pace begins operating under the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, adding a layer of regional transit change.

What happened: - WeDriveU announced two contract extensions with Pace Suburban Bus Service in Cook County, Illinois, through 2029. - The renewed South Cook County contract started in August. - The Chicago City renewal will begin in 2027. - The extensions continue WeDriveU’s work across three Pace contracts. - WeDriveU handles operations and safety management, staffing, training, dispatching, scheduling and fleet maintenance for more than 400 vehicles statewide.

The details: - WeDriveU is adding onboard dash cams with AI-powered telematics and video to improve operator safety and efficiency. - Pace Paratransit provides scheduled service for people with disabilities or health conditions that prevent use of CTA or Pace fixed-route service, in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. - Pace On Demand is a shared-ride service within designated travel zones. - General Manager Lashanda Brown Smith leads the South Cook team at WeDriveU’s Lansing, Illinois customer service center. - General Manager Maja Gravalos oversees the Chicago City team. - WeDriveU executives and regional operations leaders are at APTA TRANSform & Expo in Chicago from Oct. 4-7. - WeDriveU is at booth #3020 for attendees who want to learn more about its Pace work and other transit operations. - Pace directs riders to ADA service information and 866-248-6868. - WeDriveU also points attendees to its APTA preview and meeting request page. - The company’s website is WeDriveU.

Between the lines: - The extension signals Pace is keeping a familiar operator in place while it adjusts to a new regional governance structure. - The added telematics and video tools suggest a push to improve oversight, safety and service consistency without changing the core service model. - The announcement positions WeDriveU as a stable operations partner in a service area where reliability and accessibility are central priorities.

What’s next: - The South Cook County contract will continue under the renewed terms already in place. - The Chicago City renewal will take effect in 2027 and run through 2029. - WeDriveU says it will continue supporting Pace’s Driving Innovation strategic vision plan and new regional transit framework. - Pace riders will continue using paratransit and on-demand service as the partnership moves into its next phase.

The bottom line: - WeDriveU is locked in with Pace for years to come, with new safety technology and a contract structure that carries the service through 2029.