Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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General:
How does Pace Vanpool work?
With a Pace Vanpool, you can easily commute to your job in a group on a regular basis using a Pace-owned van. One member of the group volunteers to be a primary driver while at least one rider serves as the backup driver. Each group needs a minimum of three participants. The primary driver participates for free while riders pay a low monthly fare. Pace supports and manages the program which has been running for over 30 years and is funded by grants to keep costs down. Vanpooling offers a great alternative to driving alone and ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft. Vanpool participants can save money by not using their own vehicle since Pace provides the van and handles the costs for maintenance, auto insurance, roadside assistance, fuel, van washes, tolls and more. Plus, there is no prime time or surge pricing.
How much can I cut down my commuting costs by joining the Pace Vanpool Program?
Check out our Rideshare Savings calculator to find out your potential savings. Pace provides two options for Vanpools: the Pace Traditional and Feeder Vanpools. See if there is a group that matches your commute, then take advantage of 3 complimentary test rides before you sign-up. You can also start a new group.
Is it possible to vanpool just one day at a time?
With VanGo, Pace offers commuters a convenient self-service, round trip connection between the workplace and train or bus stations. The Pace VanGo service can be set up for one-day use at transit locations where vans are available.
The Traditional and Feeder Vanpools are designed for regular weekly use, whether you choose to participate part-time (3 days or less per week) or full-time (4 or more days per week). This flexibility allows you to vanpool on the days that suit you best. With affordable fares and the potential option to use a transit benefit or employer subsidy to lower costs even further, you might find that vanpooling a few times a month is quite budget-friendly and beneficial.
Can I really use Pace Vanpool to get to work without any costs, or are there fees involved?
If you become a primary driver, enjoy free parking at your workplace, and travel with a group of three or more vanpoolers total (counting yourself), you would not incur any travel costs. Pace covers the vanpool fare for the driver. Pace also provides the van and handles costs for the maintenance, auto insurance, roadside assistance, fuel, van washes, tolls, and more. Learn how to become a Pace Vanpool Driver and check out our Rideshare Savings calculator to find out how much you could save.
What’s distinguishes a primary driver from a backup driver?
Primary drivers are the ones in the group that drive everyone most of the time. The primary drivers participate at no cost and get personal use of the van when it is not needed for work trips. Using Pace fleet credit cards, primary drivers bring the Pace van in for maintenance, refueling, and van washes. They also complete and submit monthly usage reports. On the other hand, backup drivers are riders who are approved to drive the van and step in to help with driving when the primary driver is unavailable. To show our appreciation for backup drivers, Pace offers a fare discount. Riders participating with part-time status receive a $15 discount each month, while full-time riders get a $25 monthly credit. Over the course of a year, these savings can total between $180 to $300 in fare discounts.
Is it possible to have multiple backup drivers in a group?
Absolutely! Each group functions best with a few backup drivers. Pace will cover the driver-approval costs (MRV check, DOT physical exam, drug test, and driver training) for up to four backup drivers per Pace Vanpool. If your group wants to add 5 or more backup drivers, the participants will need to handle the processing and approval costs for those extra drivers.
While backup drivers may not drive as often as primary drivers, they play a crucial role in ensuring the vanpool runs smoothly. Sometimes, backup drivers may take over the driving responsibilities between different worksites on a regular basis, especially when the primary driver is dropped off first, allowing the vanpool to proceed to the next worksite where the backup driver is employed. Please note that none of the drivers are employees or contracted workers of Pace. Consider becoming a backup driver today!
What is the cost of Pace Vanpooling?
Good news for primary drivers – they can join at no cost! Riders typically pay around $4 - $5 daily. Pace utilizes grant funding to maintain economical fares. For a fare estimate, check out our fare calculator. You can find additional information about fares for both Traditional and Feeder Vanpools along with helpful tips to reduce your fare even further.
How do I start Pace Vanpooling?
To launch a Pace Vanpool, you just need two additional people to join your group. The more participants you include, the more everyone can save. Kick things off by using the “Join My Group” flyer, poster and/or table tent. Additionally, check out our online matching tool to see if there is an existing group to join or connect with others interested in starting a new group. If you need further guidance, we have ideas on how to start or maintain a group.
How do I get a Pace Vanpool at my workplace?
Encouraging employees to save on their commuting costs and enjoy a low stress way to work can enhance the company’s ability to attract and keep talent. If you’re interested in scheduling a Pace Vanpool presentation or creating a vanpool program at your company, contact Pace at 847.228.2433 or email us.
Vehicle Use:
Is a standard Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin driver’s license necessary, or is there a specific type of license that I need?
Yes, Pace requires that all drivers possess a regular, unrestricted driver’s license from Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin. No special license is needed. If your driver’s license is from another state, you will need to provide a driver’s abstract from that state showing at least 5 years of driving history. You will also need to obtain a driver’s license from either Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin within 45 days of acceptance into the program and provide a copy of the new license to the Vanpool Office.
What kind of van will our group be using?
Pace offers either a mini or conversion van based on size of your group and models in stock. Each Pace Vanpool is equipped with two keys for convenience. Our vans are maintained at the highest standards, regularly washed, and fueled. To ensure safety and reliability, primary drivers are responsible for taking the Pace van in for periodic maintenance checks, repairs, fueling and washes. The costs are covered with fuel and maintenance cards provided to the primary driver.
Does Pace sell retired vans?
Yes, our maintenance vendor sells used/retired Pace vans through an auction process.
How is parking handled?
Participants in the vanpool are responsible for arranging their own parking and coordinating payment with the parking management. Typically, parking is complimentary at suburban workplaces while groups heading to Chicago share the parking costs. Drivers have the option to park the van at their residence, a designated meeting spot like a park-and-ride, transit station or public parking area. To minimize damage to the Pace van, off-street parking is mandatory. With the property owner’s consent, drivers may also park the van at locations such as churches, retail or commercial spaces, or other private lots. While Pace does not manage parking logistics, we assist by providing information on available park-n-ride locations throughout the region.
Can a Pace Vanpool group travel in a bus lane on the expressway?
A Pace Vanpool is not permitted to use the bus lane on the expressway. The Illinois General Assembly has only authorized limited access for fixed route bus service. Learn more about Pace’s expressway-based service.
Vanpool Application:
Can each participant submit their own separate application and agreement forms?
To ensure that Pace clearly identifies each member of the vanpool, it’s advisable to submit all the application forms and scanned documents together in a single email or mailing package. Keeping all the information organized will assist Pace with processing the application. For further information, check out our Vanpool Application Packet Checklist.
What is the reason behind Pace asking for proof of insurance even though they are the ones offering insurance coverage for Pace Vanpooling?
Pace requests proof of insurance to ensure that driver candidates have valid insurance coverage on their personal vehicle(s) reflecting responsible behavior. If a driver candidate doesn’t have a vehicle or auto insurance, it’s important to inform Pace during the application process so that alternative arrangements can be discussed if necessary.
Can a contract worker join a Pace Vanpool?
Pace vanpools are available to regular employees and contract workers. Vanpool participation accommodates both part-time (3 days or less days per week) and full-time (4 or more days per week) schedules. Most participants have work schedules around 8-hour long. A group, which consists of 3 or more employees, must share the same shift times. It is possible to have a vanpool group that works less than or more than an 8-hour shift.
What is the purpose of Pace requesting credit card details?
The credit card details are used to process monthly fare payments for riders. For primary drivers, the credit card information is stored to address any additional personal mileage, unauthorized fuel card transactions or I-Pass usage. Pace does not perform a credit history check.
During the driver approval process, how are former tickets/citations, violations, health considerations, vehicle damage, accidents and other factors accessed?
Pace conducts a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and requires all driver candidates successfully complete the Department of Transportation physical examination. For further details, please refer to sections #3, 6, 8 and 9 of the driver requirements. If you have any specific inquiries, please email us .
Can my physician perform the required Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug test?
To qualify as a driver, candidates must complete and pass a DOT physical and drug test at a Pace-approved vendor. These vendors can be found in the six counties of Illinois, as well as Rockford, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Pace will provide a list of available locations. Keep in mind that scheduling the physical with a personal doctor is not allowed.
Is cannabis included in the drug test screening?
Yes, the DOT 10-panel drug test does include cannabis in its screening process. It also tests for a range of other drugs, amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines. Although marijuana is legal in Illinois, it’s important to note that the federal government has not legalized it. Under federal law, cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I substance according to the Controlled Substance Act. As a public transportation agency, Pace is required to comply with these federal laws in all its operations.
What are deadhead miles?
The term deadhead miles describes the distance the Pace van travels without passengers. Usually, drivers cover some deadhead miles from their home, where the Pace van begins, to the first pick-up location. If a rider gets on the van at the driver’s home, then there won’t be any deadhead miles. Each vanpool can have a maximum 10 unpaid deadhead miles in each direction of the trip.
Program Operations:
Will I have to spend a significant amount of time traveling due to picking up and dropping off vanpool riders?
Typically, the selected rider pickup and drop-off locations are practical for the group, encompassing places like their home, workplaces, or other prearranged spots such as a local parking garage or park-n-ride. To streamline things and make the vanpool more efficient, all the riders could be picked up and dropped off at one central location. For example, they could all convene at the driver’s home or the driver might pick them up at a park-and-ride area. The group has the flexibility to customize the routing and travel times to fit their needs. The Vanpool driver will then provide a Vanpool Route Information Sheet detailing these locations and additional information to Pace.
In the case of an emergency requiring me to head home earlier or later than the group, can I leave whenever I need to?
Pace provides a Guaranteed Ride Home feature ensuring that both vanpool drivers and riders can have a reliable ride back home during a personal emergency. Pace offers each participant an annual allowance of $125 to cover these emergency rides home.
What should a participant do if they need to adjust their work schedule to start earlier or later than the group from time to time?
In these instances, participants are free to set up their own travel arrangements independently of the vanpool. The vanpool will continue to follow its established route and schedule. If there is another vanpool with open seats that matches the routing and times desired, the participant could ride in the alternate vanpool with prior approval from Pace.
Does the driver charge the riders as they board the Pace van?
Drivers are not responsible for collecting fares or charging passengers since Pace will issue a monthly billing statement to all the riders. Each month, drivers will receive a list of approved riders allowed to ride their van. The driver will also be in contact with the Vanpool Office regarding new riders.
What if my primary driver is not following the rules of the road?
We invite you to reach out to your Pace Vanpool Representative when you have concerns about safety. Contact 847.228.2456 or email us. You can also submit comments and concerns through our online Feedback Center.
What steps should the primary vanpool driver take if the Pace van breaks down or needs immediate maintenance? Pace vans are quite reliable and rarely experience breakdowns, thanks to consistent maintenance. When an issue does arise, the primary driver contacts both the maintenance vendor and the Pace Vanpool representative to arrange for repairs and to set up a loaner van, if needed.
As a primary vanpool driver, what are the steps to take if an accident happens while operating the Pace van?
Pace provides automobile liability and physical damage insurance for the Pace van. Vanpool drivers are covered by this insurance as long as they follow relevant laws and program rules. In the event of an accident, there are specific procedures that should be followed. The Vanpool driver is expected to contact the police, inform Pace’s accident management vendor to report the accident, call the Vanpool Office, complete an Accident/Incident report, follow up on vehicle repairs, and obtain a copy of the police report. An investigation will take place to determine any further actions needed. Any tickets or citations received will be the responsibility of the vanpool driver. For additional details, review the driver agreement forms.
How do personal miles work?
During the personal use of the van, the primary driver can travel in the van with other family members and friends. Pace provides fuel, maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance. Pace does not provide separate personal miles to backup drivers. Primary drivers can share the personal miles with the backup drivers. When sharing personal mileage, Pace recommends tracking usage to avoid overdrawing miles. For the Traditional Vanpool, the primary drivers receive a monthly total of 300 personal miles to use in addition to the commute to work. These miles can be utilized for errands, lunch, and more. Unused personal miles can be banked up to 500 miles for future use. For the Feeder Vanpool, the driver receives 600 miles per month for work trips, maintenance, lunch, errands, etc.
Are individuals who are not part of the Pace Vanpool allowed to ride in the Pace van?
During work commutes, the Pace van is limited to only authorized riders. If you are using personal miles, you can invite someone who isn’t in the vanpool program to join you without prior notification to Pace.
Could the total costs be divided equally among all participants instead of the primary driver participating for free?
Pace designed the program to allow the primary driver to receive free participation in exchange for driving the van while riders helping with backup driving receive a discount on their monthly fare. Any other arrangement would be an agreement created strictly between the participants and not involve Pace.
If the primary driver is unavailable, how soon can Pace provide a new driver to the group?
Pace does not provide a new driver; instead, the backup driver(s) are expected to take over the responsibilities until the primary driver is available again. Transitioning from a backup driver to a primary driver can happen rather quickly. Riders can also step up to be a primary driver. This process involves completing the driver’s application, agreement, screening, and training. See the driver requirements for more details.
If the Pace Vanpool isn’t going to run one day because the approved driver is off, can some of the riders carpool in a private vehicle and use the iPass from the Pace van to pay for tolls?
The iPass is designated solely for use when operating the Pace van during work commutes. If someone is interested in driving everyone when the regular Pace Vanpool driver is unavailable, it would be advantageous to become a backup driver. This way, they can enjoy all the benefits of vanpooling instead of adding extra mileage to their personal vehicle. If both the primary and backup drivers are unavailable, participants will have to find their own way to travel.
