L-R: Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy; Pace Board Member John Noak; Joliet City Manager Beth Beatty; Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger; Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski; and Illinois State Representative Larry Walsh, Jr.
JOLIET, IL — Pace Suburban Bus, in partnership with the City of Joliet, today announced the launch of a new VanGo service in Joliet. VanGo is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first-mile/last-mile gap by connecting riders to employment for just $5 per day.
“Reliable transportation is a cornerstone of opportunity. VanGo gives workers in Joliet a convenient and affordable way to reach jobs,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski.
VanGo allows commuters to reserve a vehicle for round-trip travel within a defined service zone surrounding the transit center. Once registered, users can unlock a vehicle with a code, make their local trips, and return the van at the end of the day.
“VanGo is a flexible transit innovation that provides on-demand service built around the needs of commuters. I’m proud to support Pace and the City’s efforts to expand mobility options for our community,” offered State Representative Larry Walsh, Jr.
Pace’s partnership with Joliet was essential to launching the service, including the city’s commitment of dedicated vehicle parking at the transit center. “VanGo is a win for Joliet residents and Joliet employers alike,” said Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy. “This partnership with Pace gives our community another dependable option to access jobs and move throughout the city.”
With VanGo, riders can make reservations any time of day. Pace manages all maintenance, insurance, and fueling, so riders simply reserve, unlock, and go. “Bringing VanGo to Joliet is about expanding opportunity,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “This community deserves convenient, dependable, and affordable options for getting around—and VanGo delivers exactly that.”
By integrating seamlessly with Pace routes and Metra service, VanGo strengthens the overall network and supports workforce access throughout the region, all at an incredibly affordable operational cost. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and meet standard requirements, including a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record. Registration is available at PaceBus.com/VanGo.
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Pace Suburban Bus safely and efficiently moves people to work, school, and other regional destinations with its family of public transportation services. Pace offers affordable and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents of 274 municipalities in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties. The backbone of Chicago's suburbs, Pace serves tens of thousands of daily riders. One of the largest bus services in North America, Pace covers 3,677 square miles, an area nearly the size of the state of Connecticut and about 15 times the size of the City of Chicago. Pace's innovative approach to public transportation gives the agency a national reputation as an industry leader.