METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

A group of officials stands in front of a white Pace VanGo minivan and holds a blue ribbon during a ribbon-cutting event outside a transit facility on a sunny winter 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

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

“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

Ray Melleady and industry leaders on Capitol Hill
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 24, 2026

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 →
A purple and white CDTA bus parked at a bus stop.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsAugust 24, 2026

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: John Walsh
Managementby Staff and News ReportsAugust 21, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
METROspectives: The Overlooked Issues Holding Bus Operators Back
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 21, 2026

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 →
Crowd waiting for LA Metro bus
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 18, 2026

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 →
The group shot at TransPro's TransDash Summit
Managementby Staff and News ReportsAugust 18, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
The Future Hits the Road
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 17, 2026

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 →
An Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset at a station.
Railby Alex RomanAugust 14, 2026

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 Right Balance: Optimizing Transit Maintenance
ManagementAugust 14, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
Jonathan Hunt, GM/CEO at MARTA
Managementby Staff and News ReportsAugust 13, 2026

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 →