By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – Bloomington-Normal’s public transit system has not raised fares for one-way rides in a dozen years, and it will wait a little longer to implement a series of fare increases.
Connect Transit trustees voted 5-1 Tuesday evening to push back for three months the start time for higher fares until October 1, giving the transportation service time to look for other funding sources.
Connect Transit trustees said they were moved by some of the two dozen people who spoke at the public hearing, describing the plight of low-income and disabled riders who might not be able to afford the increase.
“We are just pushing back the date because if we can’t find other resources, we have to implement new ways to pay for this service. I know that’s hard on you. It pulls on the heartstrings,” said board member Ryan Whitehouse, who proposed the delay.
Heidi Zimmerman, who works with the developmentally disabled, made an emotional appeal for Connect Transit to seek more funding from local governments like Normal, Bloomington, and the townships.
“Help us advocate for people with low incomes and disabilities by making a real effort to demand local tax dollars before you go taking from the pockets of the most vulnerable citizens in our community,” said Zimmerman, who was in tears when she addressed the board.
“Every single time a person with a disability does not go and attend a community meeting, or go to a restaurant, or go to a movie, or meet with a friend, or do anything in our community, it is our community that is diminished,” said Laurie Bell.
Over some objections, the board agreed on a 5-1 vote to eliminate the Olive bus, which is said to be a low-ridership route taking riders from Main and Orlando in Normal to near Fort Jesse and Hershey Roads, east of Veterans Parkway.
Board Chairman Mike McCurdy said the change takes effect July 1.
“I believe it’s an irresponsible use of resources to put service on the street that’s not well utilized,” said McCurdy.
Elimination of the Olive route will save the system $156,000 a year, according to Connect Transit’s General Manager Isaac Thorne.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
