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.”
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Watershed Committee Vows Litigation if County Approves Massive Earthrise Solar Project
Capital Imp Committee: Facilities Director Reports on VAC Progress and Critical Health Department Elevator Repairs
‘Good Food For All’ Initiative Proposes Local Agricultural Asset Mapping for Will County
Public Works Committee Advances $3.2 Million Engineering Contract for Mills Road Reconstruction
Board Members Debate “Commitment to Truth” in Media Resolution
Executive Committee: Speaker VanDuyne and Member Butler Clash Over Removal of Committee Chair
Finance Committee: County Appropriates Fees from $25 Million Wilmington Warehouse Project
Everyday Economics: A stalled labor market and why the next data points matter
Assaults against ICE up 1300%, vehicular attacks up 3200%, death threats up 8000%
Bipartisan bill to cap annual deficits at 3% could curb debt growth
One year in, a ‘ho-hum’ jobs report
Five battleground governor’s races for 2026
Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report
