Pace Suburban Bus’s (Pace) Board of Directors toured the agency’s first electric bus during the May board meeting. The bus is a leased GILLIG battery-electric bus.
“I am pleased to report that Pace has officially entered into the era of electrification,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “With the progress we are making on our [fleet and] facilities transition plan, the arrival of this bus could not have come at a better time.”
Metzger went on to explain that the bus will allow staff to gain operational and maintenance experience and will also allow the agency to conduct bus familiarization training with fire departments. As the agency moves towards a more sustainable transportation system and its goal of a zero-emission fleet by 2040, Metzger also shared that the installation of electric charging stations at Pace facilities and park-n-rides had begun with Pace’s headquarters receiving the first station this week.
New first/last mile service announced
Two new alternative service options were also announced at the meeting. VanGo is a new vanpool initiative aimed at increasing first/last mile options for commuters. Scheduled to launch in June in Lake County, VanGo is a vanshare program that will allow commuters to reserve Pace-owned vans parked at Metra stations via remote access. Qualified participants will be able to use the vehicle to travel to worksites in the defined geographic zone. This new option will address the need for first/last mile connections where the market doesn’t warrant traditional bus service due to new and variable work schedules.
If successful, VanGo may be expanded to other areas in the coming year.
“But for COVID-19 and less people going into work, we wouldn’t have the availability to utilize these vans,” said Pace Board Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “These are vans that we already have, so it’s a great idea.”
Kwasneski noted that Metra has been supportive of the idea and is working with Pace to designate parking spots at Metra stations for the vehicles.
VanGo will be a reservation-based vanpool service option that registered passengers can book online or call to reserve at least one day in advance or on Fridays for the weekend and Monday. Service will be available between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. for trips starting and ending in the designated service area. Drivers must be at least 23-years old, have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, must pass a physical and drug test, and must complete an online training class.
A new pilot program in DuPage County will nearly double the service area of the Naperville-Aurora On Demand, one of 10 reservation-based, shared-ride services operating in designated areas throughout the suburban region. This service expansion, scheduled to launch June 6, 2022, will provide a flexible, all-day service option on weekdays between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for those travelling within the designated service area and connecting to/from Metra’s Route 59 and Naperville BNSF Line stations.
