Commuters traveling from train stations in Deerfield, Lake Forest, Palatine, Itasca, or Rosemont to nearby workplaces can now use a new self-service transportation option. No monthly commitment... just reserve a ride on days you need it!
VanGo
The new vanpool option from Pace!
How does the VanGo service work?
VanGo is a reservation-based service, in which you reserve a van for the next business day and, in most cases, you act as the driver. This new pilot program provides a first-mile/last-mile transit option for commuters traveling round-trip from the Lake-Cook Metra Station (in Deerfield), the Lake Forest (UP-N) Metra station, CTA Blue Line Rosemont station, Itasca (MD-W) Metra station, or the Palatine (UP-NW) Metra station to nearby work locations. You can also use VanGo as a passenger, but only if a VanGo driver is scheduled to use a vehicle on your same chosen time and date.
From any one of the stations, you can travel in a defined zone. Click a button below to see a map of the zone as well as a description for each VanGo service.
How do I become a driver/rider?
If you're interested in becoming a driver, please submit the driver application and the driver agreement. If you're interested in becoming a rider, please submit the rider application and the rider agreement. Once approved, drivers and riders must then submit copies of a driver's license, insurance card, and a credit card authorization form with Pace. The registration is necessary for billing purposes.
Drivers must meet the following Pace criteria:
- Drivers must be at least 23 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.
- Drivers must have a good driving record.
- Drivers are required to pass a physical and drug test.
- Drivers are required to complete an on-line driver training class.
Once Pace has enrolled you as a VanGo commuter you can make a reservation for a VanGo round trip for any day.
How do I reserve a trip?
Once you're registered, you can reserve a vehicle by booking between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. (Monday through Friday) to book a vehicle for the next business day.
Booking can be done by phone or email. Instructions are based on the zone you are traveling to and the location from which you are departing:
| VanGo zone | Departing from | Book by email | Book by phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake-Cook | Lake-Cook Metra (Deerfield) | VanGo.LakeCounty@PaceBus.com | (847) 364-3964 |
| Lake Forest | Lake Forest UP-N Metra | VanGo.LakeCounty@PaceBus.com | (847) 364-3964 |
| Palatine | Palatine Metra | VanGo.Palatine@PaceBus.com | (847) 364-3964 |
| Itasca | Itasca Metra | VanGo.Itasca@PaceBus.com | (847) 364-3964 |
| Itasca | Rosemont CTA station | VanGo.Rosemont@PaceBus.com | (847) 364-3964 |
Vehicle reservations for weekends or Monday must be made by 4:30 P.M. Friday. The Pace representative will confirm the reservation and email or text the driver/rider an assigned vehicle number. Drivers will receive a vehicle entry code. Rider trip reservations are accepted only on the days with a pre-registered driver.
How do I access the van on the day of my trip?
After you've been registered and made a reservation, look for the Pace vehicle with the VanGo logo in the designated parking spot at your chosen train station. Proceed to the vehicle's designated parking spot and enter the code provided at the time of reservation into the keypad on the window. The code will unlock the vehicle door and also unlock a key locker inside the vehicle. Enter the vehicle, take the key out of the locker to start the vehicle and proceed to the destination (which can be any work location in the geographic areas defined above).
At the end of the day, the driver drives the vehicle back to the designated parking space at the same Metra station from which it was picked up, places the key back in the key locker, and locks the vehicle by pushing the lock button on the keypad on the vehicle exterior. The driver can then depart for their connecting transportation service.
What is the cost?
The fare is $5.00 round trip. Drivers who carry pre-registered riders are free.
How do I pay the daily fare?
Pace will send a bill to participants at the end of each month, based on their usage of the service, and charge the credit card that the participant has on file. Participants don't need to send Pace a payment upon receipt of the bill.
Other program rules
Vehicles may be reserved for any time between 6am and 9pm on any given day.
Drivers may use the vehicle to go out for lunch provided they stay within 5 miles of the Metra station from which they picked up the van. You may not travel outside that radius.
What kind of vehicle is used in this program?
A 7-passenger minivan (Dodge Grand Caravan) or conversion van (Ford Transit), with the VanGo logo. Pace fleet staff will fuel, wash, and maintain the vehicle to the highest standard. Each vehicle is equipped with:
- Video event recorders with GPS and geo-fencing.
- A keypad attached to the window to enter a code, which unlocks the vehicle.
- A key locker inside the vehicle for secure key storage.
Pace provides automobile liability coverage for authorized drivers and roadside assistance.
What if I need help with the vehicle I'm using?
Pace offers roadside assistance and emergency transportation if the van breaks down. If the code is incorrect or not working, you can contact VanGo at 847-364-3964.
For frequent users of VanGo
Did you know there is a Pace Feeder Vanpool Program that might be more cost-effective for more frequent or regular commuters? Commuters utilizing the VanGo program more than 2-3 days per week will be encouraged to join the Feeder Vanpool Program. That program allows for a regular group of people to commute together daily, with the driver not paying a fare, and riders paying a low monthly flat fare.
