If you are looking for a carpool in your area or want to invite others to join your group, you’ve come to the right place. Pace is ready to answer any questions you may have and much more!
You might already be familiar with Pace as the public transportation agency in northeastern Illinois that provides bus service, paratransit rides, and other similar services. But did you know Pace also offers affordable rideshare service in Chicagoland? The Pace Commuter Rideshare Program consists of a vanpool program and a platform that helps match carpoolers and vanpoolers. Many Pace participants have discovered that vanpool is the best option for long-distance commutes to work. You can use Pace services if your commute to work or school starts or ends within these six counties in the Chicago metro area:
Driving solo might be the most popular way to get to work in the Chicago area, but it may not be the best choice for you, your wallet or the planet. With all its cost savings, carpooling or joining a Pace Vanpool could be a better solution.
| Commuter Rideshare Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Carpool | Vanpool | |
| Service Type | Carpooling is an informal way for two or more people to share a ride together. The individuals involved decide on where to meet, the best time to leave, who will drive and how to split the costs. Pace is not involved in overseeing the process but offers some helpful resources. | Pace Vanpooling is a 30-year-old public transportation program supported by grant funding to help lower costs. Pace manages the operations and offers assistance. The participants are responsible for determining the commute design and selecting the drivers. Vanpools consist of three or more participants. |
| Participants | Typically, the person driving the vehicle provides rides either through personal request or by using the regional carpool matching program and online platform at PaceRideShare.com, or similar carpool services. Riders usually include family members, coworkers, classmates, or neighbors. | All drivers are volunteers and participate for free. Plus, primary drivers are granted personal mileage. Riders sign an agreement and make monthly payments to Pace. Safety is a priority at Pace therefore all drivers are required to fill out an application (primary driver or backup driver), sign a driver agreement, meet program requirements and fulfill program expectations. |
| Vehicle | The group either supplies their own vehicle or rents one, and they split expenses like insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance. | Pace provides a van, covers expenses, and includes a Guaranteed Ride Home for emergencies making it a dependable option. |
| Frequency | Carpoolers have the flexibility to arrange one-time rides or travel as often as they desire. | Both Traditional and Feeder vanpoolers have the option to join either part-time (3 days or less days per week) or full-time (4 or more days per week). You can also arrange a one-time trip from certain public transit stations using VanGo. |
| Destination | Carpools can work for all types of travels, whether you’re heading to work, school, medical appointments, and any other destination. | Vanpools are required to operate within, begin or conclude their journeys in the 6-county region of Illinois. Pace vans are specifically designed for commuting to and from work. The Feeder vanpool is an excellent first- or- last-mile connection to public transportation stations or stops as well as park-n-ride lots. |
| Fares | Carpoolers come together to decide how to handle expenses. The group could review the AAA's driving costs estimates and the IRS standard mileage rate to help determine total costs. There are two ways to manage the costs: (1) appoint one driver and have everyone contribute to a portion of the expenses and (2) take turns being the driver and using one’s vehicle without any money changing hands. | All primary drivers can join without any fees. Each rider pays a low monthly fare. Riders who become a backup driver can receive a monthly fare discount. The greater the distance of your commute, the more you save for each mile traveled. If your employer offers it, you can also take advantage of a tax-free commuter benefit or subsidy. |
PaceRideshare.com is the Illinois regional carpool matching tool, website and free resource.
Online, you can create a profile and see what groups best match your commute. Depending on the details, you could connect with others interested in starting a carpool or already in one. You can also register your existing carpool and invite others to join. You can write to carpoolers to discuss carpool details such as logistics, vehicles and parking. You can even discuss upgrading from a carpool to a Pace Vanpool to enjoy more perks.
