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Lake County Tackles Public Transportation Challenges in Town Hall Meeting

Lake County Hosts Town Hall on Public Transportation Challenges and Future Plans

In a packed auditorium at the Lake County Government Center in Waukegan, residents, officials, and transportation experts gathered on August 13, 2025, for a highly anticipated town hall meeting focused on the state of public transportation in the region. Organized by the Lake County Board in collaboration with Pace Suburban Bus and Metra, the event aimed to address longstanding concerns about accessibility, reliability, and expansion of transit options in this rapidly growing suburban area north of Chicago. With Lake County's population swelling due to urban sprawl and an influx of remote workers post-pandemic, the need for efficient public transport has never been more pressing. Attendees voiced frustrations over infrequent bus schedules, limited routes to key employment hubs, and the environmental impact of heavy reliance on personal vehicles.

The town hall kicked off with opening remarks from Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, who emphasized the county's commitment to sustainable development. "Public transportation isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about equity, economic growth, and reducing our carbon footprint," Hart stated. She highlighted recent data showing that only 15% of Lake County residents use public transit for daily commutes, compared to higher rates in neighboring Cook County. This disparity, she argued, exacerbates traffic congestion on major arteries like Interstate 94 and Route 41, leading to longer travel times and increased pollution. Hart outlined the county's vision for a "multi-modal" system integrating buses, trains, bike shares, and even potential micro-mobility options like electric scooters.

Representatives from Pace and Metra provided detailed updates on current operations and upcoming projects. Pace's Executive Director, Melinda Metzger, discussed the challenges of funding, noting that federal grants from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act have enabled some expansions, but state budget constraints continue to hinder progress. She pointed to the successful rollout of the Pulse Milwaukee Line, an arterial rapid transit service that has reduced travel times between Chicago and northern suburbs by up to 20%. However, Metzger acknowledged gaps in service, particularly in underserved areas like Zion and North Chicago, where low-income communities rely heavily on buses but face unreliable schedules due to driver shortages. "We're actively recruiting and offering incentives to address staffing issues," she said, adding that Pace plans to introduce electric buses to its fleet by 2027 as part of a green initiative.

Metra's input focused on rail improvements. Spokesperson Alex Rivera highlighted the agency's efforts to enhance the Union Pacific North Line, which serves Lake County stations from Waukegan to Kenosha. Recent upgrades include new signaling systems to prevent delays, but Rivera admitted that weekend service remains limited, drawing criticism from attendees who work non-traditional hours. One proposed solution is extending service hours and increasing frequency, potentially funded through a public-private partnership with local businesses that benefit from better-connected workforces.

The heart of the event#

Public input was a significant portion of the evening, with residents sharing personal stories and suggestions. A Mundelein mother of two described her daily struggle: "I work in Libertyville, but the bus only runs every hour. If I miss it, I'm late, and that affects my job." An elderly resident from Highland Park raised accessibility issues, pointing out that many bus stops lack shelters or ramps, making it difficult for those with mobility challenges. Environmental advocates pushed for more investment in zero-emission vehicles, citing Lake County's vulnerability to climate change effects like flooding and air quality degradation from vehicle emissions.

Business leaders also weighed in, with a representative from the Lake County Chamber of Commerce arguing that improved transit could attract more companies to the area. "We're competing with places like Naperville and Schaumburg for talent. Better public transport means a larger labor pool and less gridlock," he said. Discussions touched on innovative ideas, such as on-demand shuttle services for rural pockets of the county and integration with ride-sharing apps to bridge "last-mile" gaps from train stations to homes or offices.

Funding emerged as a recurring theme. Panelists debated the merits of a proposed countywide transit tax referendum, which could generate millions for infrastructure. Supporters argued it would enable route expansions to growing areas like Grayslake and Gurnee, while opponents worried about the burden on taxpayers amid rising inflation. State Sen. Julie Morrison, in attendance, pledged to advocate for more state funding in Springfield, referencing successful models in other Midwest regions like Madison, Wisconsin.

The town hall also addressed equity and inclusion. Community organizers from Waukegan's Latino neighborhoods highlighted how language barriers and digital divides prevent some residents from accessing transit apps or schedules. "We need bilingual signage and outreach in schools and community centers," one advocate urged. Additionally, there was talk of partnering with schools for student passes to encourage early adoption of public transit habits.

As the meeting wrapped up, organizers announced a follow-up survey for residents to submit ideas online, with results to inform a comprehensive transit plan due by year's end. Chair Hart closed by stressing collaboration: "This isn't just about buses and trains; it's about building a connected community where everyone can thrive." Attendees left with a mix of optimism and skepticism, but the event underscored a collective resolve to tackle Lake County's transportation woes head-on.

Looking ahead, experts predict that without bold action, congestion could worsen as the county's population is projected to grow by 10% over the next decade. Initiatives like expanding bike lanes and pedestrian paths were floated as complementary measures to reduce car dependency. One innovative proposal involved leveraging autonomous vehicles for feeder services to major transit hubs, drawing inspiration from pilot programs in Phoenix and Pittsburgh.

The town hall also sparked conversations about regional cooperation. With Lake County bordering Wisconsin, there were calls for cross-border transit agreements to seamless connect with Kenosha's systems, potentially creating a more robust network for commuters traveling to Milwaukee or Chicago. Environmental groups praised this approach, noting it could significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging modal shifts away from single-occupancy vehicles.

In terms of specific projects, Pace revealed plans for a new transit center in Round Lake, which would serve as a hub for multiple routes and include amenities like charging stations for electric bikes. Metra, meanwhile, is eyeing double-tracking sections of the North Line to allow for more frequent trains, a project estimated at $200 million but promising to halve wait times during peak hours.

Residents' feedback was diverse, reflecting the county's demographic mix. A young professional from Lake Forest appreciated the focus on tech integration, such as real-time tracking apps, but questioned affordability for low-wage workers. "Fares need to be subsidized for essential workers," she said. A veteran from Great Lakes Naval Station shared how improved transit could ease the burden on military families, who often relocate frequently and lack personal vehicles.

Overall, the event highlighted the interplay between transportation, economic vitality, and quality of life in Lake County. As one panelist put it, "Good transit isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for a prosperous future." With public engagement at an all-time high, the coming months will be crucial in translating dialogue into actionable change, potentially setting a model for other suburban areas grappling with similar issues.

Read the Full Chicago Tribune Article at:
[ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/13/lake-county-public-transportation-townhall/ ]