Politics
Illinois Pace Bus Drivers Honored for 584 Million Safe Miles
Arlington Heights, IL – Twenty two suburban Chicago bus drivers are receiving major recognition this week after achieving years of accident free driving, adding to a remarkable safety record that now
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-11-10T17:51:20.550Z
Arlington Heights, IL – Twenty two suburban Chicago bus drivers are receiving major recognition this week after achieving years of accident free driving, adding to a remarkable safety record that now totals 584 million miles across Pace's most accomplished operators.
According to Pace Suburban Bus, the drivers were honored Saturday, Nov. 7, during a special ceremony recognizing their induction into the National Safety Council Million Mile Club.
The award recognizes bus operators who have driven at least 12.5 years without a preventable accident.
Hundreds of Illinois Drivers Reach Major Milestones
Pace reports that more than 650 current and retired operators have earned Million Mile Club recognition, collectively logging 584 million miles of safe driving.
That distance is equivalent to more than 1,200 round trips to the moon.
The newest group includes 14 One Million Milers, six Two Million Milers and two Three Million Milers.
To qualify, operators must complete increasingly demanding safety milestones:
One Million Miles: 12.5 years without a preventable accident. Two Million Miles: 25 years without a preventable accident. Three Million Miles: 37.5 years without a preventable accident. “A million miles is an extraordinary milestone,” Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger said. “The miles matter because the people matter. Every safe trip is a promise kept to a rider who is counting on us.”
Safety Recognition Across Chicago's Suburbs
Pace serves 274 municipalities across Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties, providing transportation for tens of thousands of daily riders.
The agency's Million Mile Club includes 364 current and retired One Million Milers, 95 Two Million Milers, 10 Three Million Milers and 219 members recognized in memoriam.
Pace Chairperson John Noak emphasized that safety remains central to the agency's mission, praising operators for protecting passengers and surrounding communities.
Saturday's ceremony brought together hundreds of employees and family members to celebrate the drivers' accomplishments.
Residents seeking additional information about Pace services and safe riding practices can visit PaceBus.com .