Connect Transit bus converts to community bus

Posted on October 28, 2017
Connect Transit is seeking input in how to put a ‘community bus’ to use. (Photo courtesy WMBD-TV)

By Lindsey Harrison/WMBD-TV

NORMAL – Connect Transit is taking a community space on wheels. One of the bus company’s retired buses is getting converted into what’s being called a community bus.

Televisions are being added and chairs are being rearranged to make way for tables.

The bus will serve as a place to register to vote and provide free health screenings and a fresh market to deliver produce to the community.

The company also hopes getting out in the community will bring in new riders.

“It’s going to serve a lot of different things and, in an instant, we can change it up and do something different.” said Marketing Manager Jeff Holtke.

Connect Transit asked the community for its input and is open to more ideas.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…