Lake County Residents Demand Answers and Action at Heated Public Transportation Town Hall

Libertyville, IL – A packed Libertyville High School auditorium witnessed a tense but vital exchange last night as residents of Lake County confronted local officials and transportation representatives regarding the future of public transit in the region. The town hall, organized by Lake County Board member Mary Ross Costello and attended by hundreds, underscored growing frustration with limited service, rising costs, and perceived neglect of the county’s sprawling geography.

The meeting, spurred by a recent surge in ridership requests and ongoing concerns about accessibility for seniors, low-income families, and those living outside established suburban hubs, was intended to provide clarity on proposed improvements and address community anxieties. However, it quickly became clear that many residents felt their voices hadn’t been heard for far too long.

The core of the discussion revolved around Pace Suburban Bus Division's service within Lake County. As detailed in a recent report by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which can be found here [https://www.rtachicago.org/news-and-events/press-releases/rta-approves-lake-county-transit-study/], the county faces unique challenges due to its lower population density compared to Cook County and its reliance on car ownership. This has historically resulted in a less robust public transportation network, leaving many residents feeling isolated and underserved.

Several proposed solutions were presented by Pace representatives, including potential route expansions into areas like Wauconda, Long Lake, and Lindenhurst – communities currently lacking direct bus service. These proposals are part of the ongoing “Lake County Transit Study,” commissioned by the RTA to assess current needs and identify viable expansion strategies. The study, which is expected to be finalized in early 2026, will inform future funding decisions and route planning.

However, residents weren’t solely interested in potential future improvements. A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to addressing immediate concerns about existing routes. Complaints ranged from infrequent service – with some routes running only once an hour or less – to unreliable schedules and a lack of real-time tracking information. The issue of “route deserts,” areas where residents are forced to walk considerable distances to reach bus stops, also drew significant criticism.

“I work two jobs just to make ends meet,” stated Libertyville resident Maria Sanchez during the public comment period. "But getting to those jobs is a nightmare. The bus comes once every two hours, and I’m often late. It's not fair." Her sentiment was echoed by numerous others who spoke passionately about the impact of inadequate transportation on their ability to access employment, healthcare, and essential services.

The cost of fares also emerged as a point of contention. While Pace offers reduced fare programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities, many working families expressed difficulty affording regular bus passes. Advocates are pushing for increased subsidies and expanded eligibility criteria for these programs, arguing that affordable transportation is a fundamental right.

Beyond Pace’s services, the town hall also touched upon the potential for expanding Metra commuter rail service into Lake County. While Metra currently serves stations in Libertyville and Vernon Hills, residents expressed interest in extending lines further north to reach communities like Antioch and Round Lake Beach. As outlined on Metra's website [https://metrarail.com/riding-metra/future-projects/], such an expansion would require significant investment and coordination with local municipalities, making it a long-term prospect.

The meeting wasn’t without its moments of frustration. Several residents accused Pace representatives of offering vague promises and failing to provide concrete timelines for improvements. Lake County Board member Costello repeatedly intervened to urge patience and emphasize the complexities of securing funding and navigating bureaucratic hurdles. She acknowledged the urgency of the situation but stressed that meaningful change would require sustained advocacy and collaboration between all stakeholders.

The town hall concluded with a commitment from Pace representatives to conduct further community outreach, including smaller focus groups in underserved areas. They also pledged to prioritize Lake County’s needs during upcoming budget negotiations with the RTA and state legislators. However, many residents left feeling that more decisive action is needed to address the county's transportation challenges.

The event highlighted a clear disconnect between the perceived priorities of regional transit agencies and the lived experiences of Lake County residents. While long-term solutions like Metra expansion remain aspirational, immediate improvements to Pace’s existing services – increased frequency, route optimization, and fare affordability – are crucial for ensuring equitable access to opportunity and improving the quality of life for all Lake County residents. The ongoing “Lake County Transit Study” represents a critical opportunity to chart a course toward a more connected and accessible future, but its success will depend on continued community engagement and a willingness from regional leaders to prioritize the needs of this rapidly growing county.