(c)Eric Pancer

Pace Expands I-55 Service and Launches ‘VanGo’ in Joliet

Spread the love

Will County Committee of the Whole Meeting | December 2025

Article Summary: Pace officials highlighted service expansions in Will County, including the recent launch of the “VanGo” reservation-based van service in Joliet. Mayor John Noak also reported increased ridership on Will County fixed routes and the addition of trips to the popular I-55 Bus on Shoulder corridor.

Pace Updates Key Points:

  • VanGo Launch: A new reservation-based van service recently launched at the Joliet Transit Center to help commuters reach nearby employment destinations.

  • Ridership Growth: Fixed route ridership in Will County was up 17.3% in September 2025 compared to the prior year.

  • Service Expansion: Pace added 81 trips to the I-55 Bus on Shoulder corridor (Routes 755, 850, 851, 855).

  • Fiscal Stability: State legislation allows Pace to continue operating the Taxi Access Program (TAP) and Rideshare Access Program (RAP) for ADA riders.

Romeoville Mayor and Pace Director John Noak presented Pace’s 2026 budget to the Will County Board on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, showcasing service growth within the county.

Noak highlighted the recent launch of the “VanGo” program at the Joliet Transit Center. The service allows commuters to reserve a van to drive themselves within a defined zone to reach jobs at locations like CenterPoint.

“We celebrated the launch of our newest Van Go in Joliet, which now offers last-minute service for commuters,” Noak said.

Noak reported strong ridership growth, noting a 17.3% increase in Will County fixed-route ridership as of September 2025. To meet demand, Pace has added 81 trips to the I-55 Bus on Shoulder corridor, which connects Will County residents to downtown Chicago and the medical district.

Additionally, Noak confirmed that the new state funding will save the Taxi Access Program (TAP) and Rideshare Access Program (RAP).

“The loss of these services would have affected riders who depend on them,” Noak said. “I am happy to report that these essential programs for ADA certified riders will continue.”

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WATCH: Legislator says Illinois’ child welfare agency uses interns, has legal exposure

WATCH: Legislator says Illinois’ child welfare agency uses interns, has legal exposure

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state legislator insists the state’s child welfare agency is violating the law by using interns...
Economic index shows reduced uncertainty, more stability in Midwest

Economic index shows reduced uncertainty, more stability in Midwest

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Survey of Economic Conditions Activity Index suggests more stability and less...
New law sparks debate over Illinois school mergers, communities fear loss

New law sparks debate over Illinois school mergers, communities fear loss

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new law that could push school districts to study possible consolidation, aiming for efficiency and...
jackson township graphic.1

Joliet Plan to Barricade Millsdale Road Will Reroute Jackson Township Traffic

Article Summary: The City of Joliet plans to permanently barricade Millsdale Road at its railroad crossing, creating a cul-de-sac that will divert traffic in Jackson Township onto Manhattan Road. Jackson...
Trump proposes returning death penalty to D.C.

Trump proposes returning death penalty to D.C.

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Capital punishment could be returning to Washington, D.C., as President Donald Trump announced during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. “Anybody murders in the capital? Capital...
WATCH: IL Hospital Association: $50B rural hospital fund ‘woefully inadequate’

WATCH: IL Hospital Association: $50B rural hospital fund ‘woefully inadequate’

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker continues sounding the alarm over federal health care subsidies as the White House...
Arizona, Nevada pay less at the pump than California

Arizona, Nevada pay less at the pump than California

By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square Gas prices in Arizona and Nevada are cheaper than in California for several reasons, according to American Automobile Association spokesperson John Treanor. Factors vary from...
EEOC celebrates 200 days of protecting religious freedom under Trump

EEOC celebrates 200 days of protecting religious freedom under Trump

By Tate MillerThe Center Square The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is celebrating the ways they’ve protected religious freedom in the workplace over Trump’s past 200 days in office. “These efforts...
WCO Board Aug 21.4

After Initial Rejection and Tense Debate, Board Reconsiders and Approves Contested DuPage Township Business

Article Summary: In a rare reversal, the Will County Board approved a special use permit for a landscaping business in a residential area of DuPage Township after the measure initially...
U.S. mining operations discarding rare minerals at center of trade talks

U.S. mining operations discarding rare minerals at center of trade talks

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. mining operations are discarding valuable minerals needed for everything from electric vehicles to missile defense systems that could reduce U.S. dependence on foreign nations....
Duffy warns states to enforce English proficiency requirements for truckers

Duffy warns states to enforce English proficiency requirements for truckers

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square California, New Mexico and Washington could risk losing federal funding if they fail to enforce English Language Proficiency requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers, U.S....
Illinois quick hits: Chicago businesses at 10-year low; school admin survey closes soon

Illinois quick hits: Chicago businesses at 10-year low; school admin survey closes soon

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago businesses at 10-year low The number of businesses operating in Chicago has reached a 10-year low. Citing city license data,...
Pritzker unveils Illinois LGBTQ hotline amid debate over transgender athletes

Pritzker unveils Illinois LGBTQ hotline amid debate over transgender athletes

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Reports of a transgender student being accepted onto the Conant High School girls volleyball team has...
WATCH: Trump ends funding for cashless bail policies, hedges on Guard deployment to Chicago

WATCH: Trump ends funding for cashless bail policies, hedges on Guard deployment to Chicago

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares some of...
Hochul pushes back on Trump's cashless bail funding threat

Hochul pushes back on Trump’s cashless bail funding threat

By Chris WadeThe Center Square New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing back on President Donald Trump's "reckless" push to do away with cashless bail, saying the move to withhold...