The Shuttle Bug program is a public-private partnership between TMA of Lake Cook, Pace Suburban Bus, Metra Commuter Rail and area businesses to provide convenient shuttle service connections between participating businesses and Metra stations.

Shuttle service is provided on 16 routes serving 32 companies to Metra stations on the North Central, Milwaukee North and Union Pacific North lines. The shuttle serves the communities of Bannockburn, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Glenview, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, Prospect Heights, Riverwoods and Vernon Hills in both Cook and Lake County, Illinois.

Average daily ridership totals over 1600 daily trips/400,000 annual trips and ridership increased 8.5% in 2006.

The program is the largest employer sponsored program in Northeastern Illinois and nationally recognized by the Federal Highway Administration & USEPA as effective model to reduce traffic congestion and improve our air quality.

Market studies indicate that:
• Shuttles serve both reverse commute and suburb-to-suburb commuters with 60% of riders originating in Chicago/Cook County.
• 72% of riders drove alone to work before taking the shuttle & 15% would not be able to get to work without the shuttle service.

Door to door service is provided on fully accessible Pace buses & costs are shared between the agencies and the businesses represented by the TMA. Employees of participating firms ride free utilizing their Easy Rider passes.

The Shuttle Bug program reduces employer costs by sharing expenses, minimizing company program administration, increasing the opportunity to attract and retain quality employees, providing for a more diverse workforce, helping reduce employee commute costs and decreasing commuting stress.

If your firm is interested in participating in the Shuttle Bug Program or would like additional information please contact: bill_baltutis@baxter.com.

Click here for current Shuttle Bug Routes.