Related News: Chicago’s Pace Approves Budget, Unveils Hybrid Bus and Keeps Riders Moving Forward Without a Fare Hike
New Pace VanGo Service Coming to Joliet to Boost First/Last-Mile Connections
Pace and the City of Joliet marked the launch of VanGo, a reservation-based service aimed at helping commuters cover first- and last-mile trips to work for $5 per day.

(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.
Photo: Pace Suburban Bus
Pace Suburban Bus, in partnership with the City of Joliet, announced the launch of VanGo, a reservation-based service intended to help close first-mile/last-mile gaps by connecting riders to employment for $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.
How VanGo Works
VanGo allows commuters to reserve a vehicle for round-trip travel within a defined service zone surrounding the transit center. After registering, users receive a code to unlock a vehicle, make 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,” said State Representative Larry Walsh Jr.
Pace said the partnership with Joliet helped launch 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.”
Reservations, Eligibility, and Registration
Reservations can be made any time of day. Pace handles maintenance, insurance, and fueling.
“Bringing VanGo to Joliet is about expanding opportunity,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.
VanGo is intended to integrate with Pace routes and Metra service. Drivers must be at least 21 and meet standard requirements, including a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record.
More Management

The Business Voice Behind Public Transportation
As chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors, Ray Melleady explains how more than 850 business members are partnering with transit agencies to advance funding, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
Read More →
New York’s CDTA Service Rebalancing Boosts Productivity, On-Time Performance
Despite a slight dip in ridership, the agency’s FY2026 results show its service rebalancing strategy is helping the agency carry more riders per service hour while improving reliability.
Read More →
People Movement: ABC Names John Walsh as Chief Commercial Officer
In this edition, METRO also covers recent appointments and announcements at the DART, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
LA Metro Ridership Continues Growth as Rail Gains Accelerate
New rail connections and major events help drive continued ridership gains, with Metro recording its eighth consecutive month of year-over-year rail growth.
Read More →
TransDASH Summit Focuses on Measuring What Matters in Transit
Transit agencies unveil a national performance platform designed to benchmark customer experience, safety, community value, and other outcomes.
Read More →
Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation
Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.
Read More →
FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak
Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
People Movement: MARTA Drops Interim Tag on GM/CEO Hunt and More
In this edition, METRO covers recent appointments and announcements at the FMCSA, HDR, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →