Connect Transit seeks more Twin-Cities government funding to expand bus service

Posted on February 26, 2020
The free fares are expected to reduce transit system revenue by about $20,000, according to the working group. (Photo courtesy: HOI/ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

NORMAL – Changes are on the way for Bloomington-Normal’s public transportation system, including some fare increases and expanded bus service.

The Connect to the Future working group started meeting in June of last year, as Connect Transit faces the possibility of running of funds by 2026.

The transit board approved the working group’s recommendations Tuesday night, including an increase in one-way fares to $1.25, plus expanded service, and lower fees for riders with disabilities. However, the transit board is also asking the Normal and Bloomington city governments’ to increase their yearly subsidies by $500,000 each.

“If we can get a commitment from both the Town of Normal and the City of Bloomington, then we can start to implement some of these changes and wait for the money when it actually arrives,” said Connect Transit Board Chair Mike McCurdy.

The transit board also plans to offer a one-year pilot program of a fare-free bus on the Green line. The Green line takes riders between Uptown Station in Normal to Downtown Bloomington.

“The Green route will be used as an economic and environmental tool to increase ridership and get residents out of their vehicle.” the working group said in its report.

The free fares are expected to reduce transit system revenue by about $20,000, according to the working group.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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