L-R: Mayor Rick Reinbold of Richton Park; Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger; Illinois Senator Patrick Joyce; Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant; Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski; Village of University Park Mayor Joseph E. Roudez III; and Pace Board member Terry Wells.
UNIVERSITY PARK, IL — Pace Suburban Bus, in partnership with the Village of University Park and Metra, today announced the launch of a new VanGo service in University Park. VanGo is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first-mile/last-mile gap and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
“Reliable transportation is a cornerstone of opportunity, and VanGo gives workers in and around University Park a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to reach jobs,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “University Park is a growing community with a strong employment base, and this service helps ensure transportation supports that growth.”
University Park is Pace’s seventh VanGo location and the second serving the area in and around Will County. The service allows commuters to reserve a vehicle for round-trip travel within the service zone. Once registered, users can unlock a vehicle with a code, make their local trips, and return the van at the end of the day.
“This service closes the first-mile/last-mile gap and makes it easier than ever for people to connect with employment centers throughout University Park,” said Pace Board Member Terry Wells, who represents South Cook County. “For just five dollars a day, VanGo offers an affordable and predictable solution. It’s innovation in action—flexible, on demand, and designed around the real needs of commuters.”
“We have quite a few people that can take advantage of what we are doing here today,” said Illinois Senator Patrick Joyce. “When we start getting that connectability with the city, that’s when this eastern corridor known as I-57 grows even more. I really appreciate what Pace is doing here today.”
“We are fortunate to have a coalition of mayors who want to see progress in Will County,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “I am proud of the work the county has done, working with Pace, to make sure that people who need transportation have access to it. This is a great step in providing people who travel into the county access to good-paying jobs.”
“Our vision has always been clear, to create the community that is connected, inclusive, and positioned for long-term success,” said Village of University Park Mayor Joseph E. Roudez III. “Investments like this ensure University Park continues moving forward as a connected and accessible community where residents can live, work, and thrive. VanGo is one piece of our larger vision that supports residents and strengthens our economy.”
Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger emphasized the importance of flexible transportation options, particularly during challenging weather conditions. “Days like today remind us how difficult it can be for people to get to and from work,” Metzger said. “VanGo helps address those challenges by filling critical first- and last-mile gaps, especially in areas where traditional fixed-route service isn’t practical. We’ve already seen strong results from VanGo, and we’re excited to continue growing the program.”
Other guests included Village of University Park Trustees Sonia Jenkins-Bell, Gina Williams, Karen L. Lewis, and Donna Fulcher; Mayor Rick Reinbold of Richton Park; Edward W. Paesel, former mayor of the Village of Sauk Village; Doug Pryor, President and CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development; Lisa Zeigler and Craig Schmidt from Governors State University; representatives from U.S. Representative Robin Kelly’s office and Illinois Representative Jackie Haas’s office.
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 more than 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.