Commute Search Guide – Pace Commuter Rideshare Help & Support

How the Commute Search Tool Works

Step 1: Create an Account

At PaceCommuterRideshare.com, you can search for options and connect with other commuters.  To help solve first-mile and last-mile connections, you can combine public transit trip planning (bus or train) with a rideshare commute. You can also explore park-n-ride lots. Sign up online to access the Pace commuter rideshare platform. Enter your start address, destination, and work hours to begin commute planning. 

To expand your commute search results within the commuter matching system, consider adding a second origin by entering a nearby bus stop, train station, park‑and‑ride lot, or another convenient meeting point. Choosing more than one work shift can also improve your chances of finding a carpool, vanpool, or shared ride to join. Plus, you could find more commuters to approach about creating a new carpool or vanpool.

Next, choose whether to explore:

• Carpool (rideshare using personal vehicles)
• Pace Vanpool (an affordable public van program that includes fuel, insurance, maintenance and more for groups of 4 more participants)

Then select your role: driver, rider, rider (willing to help drive occasionally), to optimize your experience with the rideshare matching system.

Tips for Better Ridematching

• Use the comment box. Engage others by adding specific details about your schedule, route, or flexibility. Announce your carpool too. 
• Set an expiration date. If you're ridesharing temporarily, your profile can automatically become inactive when you no longer need matches.
• Manage your visibility. Choose whether to search privately, allow others to request to join your commute, and appear in other users' match results.

Step 2: Online Commute Search Tool Options

The Commute Search Tool offers several commuter matching options to help you find the best commute solutions to your job or school based on your route, schedule and preferences: 

1. Commuters – Use the commuter matching platform to find people who can join your existing carpool or Pace Vanpool or invite others to start a new rideshare group. You may also discover a carpool match near you that fits your work commute.
2. Pools – Search the system for established vanpool groups that head to work only and align with your route, making it easier to join an existing shared commute option and reduce the cost of driving alone. Before deciding to form a new group, you can see the existing options and request seat availability. 
3. Transit – Explore bus and train trip planner options to plan your full commute or combine public transit with ridesharing for a more efficient, multimodal commute plan.
4. Bike Partner – Ideal for employees and students looking to incorporate biking into their commute planning strategy or connect with an existing bike-to-work program.
5. Park-n-Ride – Locate nearby park‑n‑ride locations where you can park, walk, or bike before meeting your carpool or vanpool group, or connecting to bus and rail transit routes. 

Step 3: Understand Search Miles and Time Features

The commute planning tool includes filters to help you find the best possible commuter match within the system. Most filters work the same way regardless of search type, allowing you to adjust by shift time, commute locations, and search within your workplace or across all registered commuters. You can even adjust the time flexibility to expand the search around your work shift. 

Example: If your work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and you add 30 minutes of flexibility, the system will search options between:

• 7:00 am – 8:00 am
• 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
   

The Search Distance Filter Varies by Search Type

The Search Distance filter is the only filter that changes based on whether you're searching for Commuters, Pools, Transit, or Park-n-Ride options.

Available for Pools and Park-n-Ride Searches 

Search (mi)

Adjust the radius to expand your rideshare and park-n-ride search area along your route.  The system creates a "buffer zone" around your commute to identify any additional carpool, vanpool, and park-n-ride opportunities.

Available for Commuters and Bike Partner Searches

1. Search distance (mi) 

Set how far the system should search around your origin, destination, or along your route to improve commute matching results. When searching along a route, keep in mind that carpools and vanpools typically avoid detours off major roadways, since they increase travel time and cost. 

2. Match along my route

A checkbox in the Commute and Bike Partner searches. 

• Checked: Searches along your origin and the route.
• Unchecked: Searches only around your starting point 

Available for Transit and Bike Partner Searches
Walk to transit (mi) 
Choose how far you’re willing to walk or bike to access bus stops, train stations, or park-n-ride locations. 

• Walking 1 mile ≈ 15–20 minutes
• Biking 1 mile ≈ 5 minutes

Commute Search FAQs – Pace Commuter Rideshare Help & Support

What area does this commute planning program serve? 

The Chicagoland commuter planner serves individuals traveling to work or school whose trips begin or end within the six-county region: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will.

Can I use this tool for regular medical appointments?

The commute search tool is designed specifically for work and school commute planning.

For medical appointments, explore Pace Paratransit service or plan a trip with the Transit app.

Is the rideshare matching tool free to use?

Yes. Creating an account and using PaceCommuterRideshare.com is free. Any fares or fees for transit, carpools, park-n-ride lots, or Pace Vanpools are handled separately.

Why do I need an account?

Accounts support safe and accurate matching by providing:

• Accurate commute matches based on your details 
• Privacy protection (home addresses are never shared) 
• Secure communication between users 
• Up-to-date commuter activity

Do I need a car to participate?

No. This platform supports all users:

• Riders can join carpool or vanpool groups 
• Drivers can form vanpools (Pace vans) or carpools (private/rented vehicles)

Pro tip: Riders may appear matched with other riders because they share the same driver. When forming a new group, start by connecting with drivers.

Do I have to use my home address?

No. You may use a nearby intersection or commercial address as long as it’s close enough for accurate matching.

Which settings are used for matching after you sign out?

The system remembers your most recent origin, destination, and shift times for continued matching. Keep these updated for accurate alerts.

What if I can’t find a match to a carpool or Pace Vanpool?

Try these strategies:

• Adjust commute times or locations
• Combine rideshare with bus or train options
• Check your profile for new matches
• Reach out to other commuters through the system to help form a vanpool or carpool or invite others to join your rideshare group
• Promote ridesharing at your workplace or school using free marketing materials or request an in-person presentation
• Start a new group using: Join my Group Flyer, Poster, and Table Tent.

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