Show Bus to stop serving McLean County next year

Posted on November 21, 2024

Show Bus will no longer serve McLean County starting in July 2025. Connect Transit, the company in charge of public transportation in Bloomington-Normal, will now also provide transit for rural McLean County residents. (Photo courtesy Show Bus)

CHENOA – A central Illinois bus company that specializes in rural transportation is speaking out about how they will soon no longer serve McLean County residents.

In June, the McLean County Board decided to terminate the agreement it had with Show Bus, a Chenoa-based company. Connect Transit, the company in charge of public transportation in Bloomington-Normal, will now also provide transit for rural McLean County residents.

Laura Dick, the director of Show Bus, said the decision took her by surprise.

“It was a profound shock when we realized what was at risk for the six counties because that means untangling of assets, protecting operating funds, just an enormous endeavor while trying to keep business going,” Dick said.

The agreement had been active since the 1980’s, and included six counties served by Show Bus, including McLean County, which handled grant applications.

She said that Show Bus will no longer serve McLean County starting in July of next year.

The company will continue to serve its eight other counties. They stretch from Kankakee County to Mason County.

Their mission is to serve senior citizens, those with disabilities, low-income families, and traditionally underrepresented communities.

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