The Vanpool Feeder program allows a Pace van to be parked at a Metra station, transit center, or park-n-ride location, so that 3-12 participants can take the train or bus and use a Pace-owned van to complete the commute.
Each rider pays a monthly fare which covers all costs associated with the van including fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls, roadside assistance, and van washes. The full-time monthly fare is $58 and the part-time (3 days or less per week) fare is $29. Metra or Pace fixed route bus/train fares and parking are not included in this rate.
To start a vanpool, one of the participants volunteers to be the primary driver. He or she does not pay a fare! Rider fares are available for both full-time (4 or more days per week) and part-time (3 days or less per week) participation levels. Riders who backup drive will receive a monthly discount based on their full-time ($25 credit) or part-time ($15 credit) rider status.
Parking is subject to availability and lot rules. Parking overnight and weekends at a Metra station requires approval and in most cases a permit from the local municipality. Overnight parking of a Pace van at a Pace park-n-ride location is allowed.
For a listing of Metra fares and train schedules, visit Metra's website. To find the nearest Pace park-n-ride, see the map.
For an additional savings, fares on vanpool, Pace and Metra can be paid with pre-tax dollars through the Tax-Free Commuter Benefits.
Guaranteed Ride Home
Participants are eligible for reimbursement of up to $125 per year for alternative transportation taken due to a personal emergency. This does not apply to situations in which you work overtime.
The van is allowed to travel a total of 600 miles per month for work trips, fueling, maintenance, washes, lunch trips, etc. Unused miles are not bankable for future use. Excess mileage will be charged at $0.75 per mile.
The primary driver and back-up drivers must sign a Driver/ Back-up Driver Agreement and passengers must sign a Rider agreement, prior to participation.
Potential driver candidates must meet Pace's Vanpool Driver Requirements.
For more information, please contact us. A Pace representative will reply to your request within two business days.
