VanGo microtransit service comes to University Park

VanGo microtransit service is now available in University Park, Illinois, as Pace Suburban Bus partners with the Village of University Park and Metra to offer a flexible, reservation-based way to cover first-mile/last-mile work trips (as outlined in a Pace Suburban Bus press release).

The model is priced at $5 per day and is intended to help riders connect to employment, according to Mass Transit Magazine.

Why VanGo is being introduced in University Park?

Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski said reliable transportation can expand opportunity for workers, describing the service as a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to reach jobs in and around University Park. He also pointed to the area’s strong employment base, saying transit needs to keep pace with local growth.

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University Park is Pace’s seventh VanGo location and the second serving Will County. The program targets areas where traditional fixed-route service isn’t practical, while still giving commuters a workable option for getting to work.

How the VanGo microtransit service works?

VanGo is set up for round-trip travel within a defined service zone. After registering, commuters can reserve a vehicle, unlock it using a code, make their trips, and return the van at the end of the day.

Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger referenced how hard it can be to get to and from work during disruptive conditions—such as traveling in a snowstorm—and said the program helps fill critical first- and last-mile gaps. She said Pace has already seen strong results from VanGo and plans to continue expanding it.

Operations and links to Metra and Pace routes

Pace manages vehicle maintenance, insurance, and fueling for the program vehicles, allowing riders to focus on reserving, unlocking, and going. The service also integrates with Pace routes and Metra service, supporting the regional transit network while improving access to jobs at an affordable operational cost, as Metro Magazine notes.

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