By Eric Stock
NORMAL – Local officials in Bloomington-Normal got on the bus on Monday as Connect Transit rolled out its new routes.
Connect Transit is boosting frequency of its more popular routes and adding Sunday service. General Manager Andrew Johnson said he hopes the improved efficiency will prompt more people to choose mass transit.
PODCAST: Listen to WJBC’s interview with Andrew Johnson.
“You have to provide a convenient service,” Johnson said. “Our service prior to today was very circuitous. It didn’t necessarily make the best use of time of people’s time, it kept them on the bus for a long time.
The $1.5 million cost is coming from state and federal funds, along with the recent sales tax increase in Bloomington-Normal. The new routes call for adding 27 new jobs, most of them drivers.
A consultant projects Connect Transit ridership will increase close to 20 percent in two years.
Johnson added that will help the transit service make its case for more federal funds at a time when the Republican party platform calls for eliminating funding for public transit.
“Even though the Republican platform does suggest a catastrophic decrease in funding, I think when it’s all said and done, cooler heads will prevail and we’ll see public transportation continue to be funded by the federal government.”
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, said he’s not on board with the GOP’s idea to put the brakes on mass transit funding.
“I have not looked at the specific provision on there, I will tell you as a Republican I am supportive of public transportation and programs like this,” LaHood said.
Connect Transit is offering free service on all routes though Aug. 28.
Some routes in southwest Bloomington and north Normal which saw few riders will see more limited service on a trial basis.
The transit service is adding 25 new shelters at its most popular pickup spots.
New app
Connect Transit has also unveiled a new mobile app that’s specific to the Bloomington-Normal system. It includes a trip planing feature and custom alerts to notify you or arrivals and any detours.
The Connect Transit app is available in the App store or Google Play.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
