L-R: Rob Desio (Northern Illinois Food Bank), State Representative Dan Ugaste, Kane County Board Member Leslie Juby, Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger, Congressman Bill Foster, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, Pace Board Member Jeffery Schielke, State Representative Matt Hanson, Susan Huang (Fox Valley Values), and Geneva Alderman Mark Reinecke.
GENEVA, IL – Pace Suburban Bus joined Congressman Bill Foster, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, State Representative Dan Ugaste, State Representative Matt Hanson, and community leaders yesterday to cut the ribbon and celebrate the start of Geneva VanGo — Pace’s ninth VanGo service in the region.
The new Geneva VanGo offers a flexible commuting option for employees who work near the Geneva Metra Station. Pace’s VanGo service is a reservation-based transit option designed to close first-mile/last-mile gaps and make it easier for workers to reach job opportunities within a local service zone.
“As our communities continue to grow, it’s important that our transportation system evolves to meet people’s changing needs,” said Rep. Foster. “Innovative, on-demand transit options like VanGo are an important part of that future, and I congratulate Pace on bringing this service to Geneva.”
Other guests who spoke during the event emphasized the benefits VanGo provides for the Geneva area and the broader region. Illinois Representative Dan Ugaste recalled speaking with a local business about solutions that could make it easier to attract workers to the area, which led him to learn more about Pace’s VanGo program.
“I’m excited that VanGo is now here, and I think it will work very well in the area,” Ugaste said. “VanGo will provide huge benefits not only for workers in the area but also for anyone who likes taking the train to get where they need to go in the community.”
Illinois Representative Matt Hanson said VanGo delivers a practical transit solution for suburban residents who need more transportation options to move around their communities.
“If we can make it easier for someone in Geneva, Elburn, or Aurora to reach their employer in the area, that makes transit more nimble — and that is what we need when finding transit solutions,” Hanson said. “I think the future is extremely bright for VanGo.”
Geneva VanGo is the ninth VanGo service operating in northeastern Illinois. The new service follows the recent launches of Crystal Lake and University Park VanGo earlier this year.
“Geneva is proud to welcome Pace’s VanGo service to our community, and we embrace the promise of a reliable, affordable, and convenient transportation benefit for the employers and employees who drive our economic success,” said Kevin Burns, Mayor of Geneva.
After registering, VanGo users can reserve a vehicle for round-trip travel within a designated service zone. For Geneva users, the VanGo van is available at the Geneva Metra Station and can be used for trips to worksites within a 13-mile radius.
“VanGo is designed with one goal in mind — helping people get to work,” said Pace Board Member Jeffery Schielke. “By giving employees affordable access to a van they can reserve throughout the day, Pace is providing a dependable transportation option that supports both workers and employers. We’re excited to bring this opportunity to Geneva as we continue to expand access to jobs throughout the region.”
“VanGo provides another flexible option to address service in the suburbs,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “VanGo gives commuters a practical way to complete their trip by connecting them directly to their workplace. As Pace continues to expand the VanGo program, we’re helping workers access employment opportunities while giving employers another tool to attract and retain a larger group of employees.”
Rob Desio, senior manager of public policy and benefits at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva, said VanGo delivers greater accessibility for local employers like the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
“We are trying to attract talent from all over the region, and anything that increases accessibility is good for the community,” Desio said. “VanGo provides this area with a different kind of accessibility that will also benefit the entire region.”
Geneva VanGo is available to commuters for $5 a day, offering an affordable and predictable option for riders to complete their workday trips.
Pace manages all vehicle maintenance, insurance, and fueling, allowing riders to simply reserve, unlock, and go. VanGo integrates seamlessly with Pace routes and Metra service, strengthening the regional transit network while supporting workforce access at an affordable operational cost.
Drivers must be at least 21 years old and meet standard requirements, including a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record. Registration and additional information are available at PaceBus.com/VanGo.
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Pace Suburban Bus safely and efficiently moves people to work, school, and other regional destinations with its family of public transportation services. Pace offers affordable and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents of 274 municipalities in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties. The backbone of Chicago's suburbs, Pace serves tens of thousands of daily riders. One of the largest bus services in North America, Pace covers 3,677 square miles, an area about 15 times the size of the City of Chicago. Pace's innovative approach to public transportation gives the agency a national reputation as an industry leader.