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PACE reports ridership recovery and pilots $5 'Van Gogh' last‑mile service in Crystal Lake
Summary
PACE told PTAC it carried roughly 70% of 2019 ridership in May (about 2,000,000 trips) and described a new $5 Van Gogh last‑mile vehicle program in Crystal Lake and a 13‑mile radius vanpool/feeder option to link employers and riders.
A PACE representative told the committee that ridership is recovering and that the agency is experimenting with last‑mile solutions. "In May 2026, we carried over 2,000,000 riders," the PACE presenter said, noting that figure represents about 70% of 2019 ridership. PACE said June ridership held near that range and that service expansions are under study for two local rush‑hour routes (the 806 and 808).
PACE also described the Van Gogh pilot at the Crystal Lake station: for $5 per day a user can rent a parked vehicle at the station after completing online training and background checks; the service uses a 13‑mile radius (26‑mile round trip) federal standard. The program includes an option to recruit drivers who are then allowed to carry riders (drivers get free use when they carry paying passengers) and a feeder/vanpool pathway for heavy users who need more consistent access.
