Pace Expands I-55 Service and Launches ‘VanGo’ in Joliet
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.”
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Committee Approves $317K Guardrail Maintenance Contract Amid Discussion on Installation Dangers
Will County Approves Diamond Enterprise Zone Expansion to Support $355 Million Energy Investment
Federal Update: DHS Shutdown, War Powers, and Housing Legislation Dominate Washington
Will County Corporate Revenues Surpass Expectations, Igniting Debate Over Delinquent Tax Sales
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee for March 3, 2026
Will County Grants Extensions for Seven Solar and Commercial Projects Amid Permitting Delays
Construction Progresses on New Manhattan Fire Station, August Completion Anticipated
Will County Committee Postpones Liquor, Ad-Hoc Committee: Gaming, and Tobacco Ordinance Updates Amid Extensive Revisions
Land Use Committee Approves 4.98-Megawatt Solar Facility on Eagle Lake Road Near Peotone
Will County Advances Nearly $1.5 Million in Right-of-Way and Improvement Agreements for Weber, Gougar, and Laraway Roads
Public Works Committee: Approves $1.59 Million Contract for Scheer Road Bridge Replacement in Green Garden Township
Will County Board Backs $10 Million State Public Health Grant Increase Amid Funding Cuts
Barn Fire on Whispering Hills Lane Claims Livestock, Draws Extensive Mutual Aid Response
Will County Public Works Committee Shelves License Plate Reader Agreement Amid Bipartisan Privacy Concerns
