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

Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.

Read More →
New Mobilityby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Chicago's Pace Expands VanGo Mobility Program

The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with text reading "Foothill Gold Line: Design Contract Award & 2026 Board Leadership."
Managementby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Foothill Gold Line Board Awards Claremont Extension Design Contract to Parsons, Maintains Board Leadership for 2026

Parsons wins the $60M Claremont Extension design contract as the Foothill Gold Line board reaffirms leadership during a pivotal project phase.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technologyby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Houston METRO Introduces RideMETRO Fare System

The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →
A b2x rewards logo and graphic reading "Read. Learn. Earn."
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Bobit Business Media Launches B2X Rewards to Engage Transit Industry Professionals

The new program rewards B2B audience readers for engaging with trusted content and suppliers, earning them points toward events, travel, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says

The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 28, 2026

New Orleans RTA Reaches Agreement with ATU

The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Contract

The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.

Read More →