Joliet: Strengthening a Regional Anchor in Will County
Joliet is a growing regional hub and the largest city in Will County, with over 150,000 residents. It’s home to two Metra lines, a regional Amtrak station, government offices, and a large working-class population. Despite this, bus service in Joliet is sparse, infrequent, and disconnected from many daily needs.
Current Service Snapshot
- Primarily served by Route 501 (Joliet Local) and Route 505 (West Joliet Loop)
- Most routes run only once per hour, with limited evening or weekend options
- Key destinations — like Joliet Junior College, Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center, and residential areas west of I-55 — are hard to reach without a car
- Transfers between local bus and Joliet Gateway Center are often poorly timed
Improvements Under Pace Plus 10
A modest investment would bring:
- More consistent weekday and Saturday service on routes like 501 and 505
- Adjustments to better serve medical, educational, and shopping destinations
- Improved coordination with Metra and intercity rail schedules
Plus 10
Frequent Connections: Pace Plus 50 – Ridership
This scenario would give Joliet a modern transit core:
- Buses every 15–30 minutes on key corridors like Jefferson St and Larkin Ave
- New crosstown routes connecting west-side neighborhoods with downtown jobs and services
- Stronger connections to neighboring towns such as Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, and Plainfield
Plus 50 - Ridership
Wider Access: Pace Plus 50 – Coverage
If coverage is prioritized:
- Hourly all-day service would reach the far western and southern edges of the city
- New service areas near I-80 warehouse districts and emerging residential zones
- More equitable access for neighborhoods currently outside the fixed-route network
Plus 50 - Coverage
As Joliet continues to grow, it needs a transit network that supports regional mobility, economic development, and access for all. ReVision helps transform a limited system into one that truly serves the full city.
