The current budget struggles within the State of Illinois have reached Bloomington Normal public transportation provider, Connect Transit. Connect Transit relies on consistent funding from the State of Illinois as it represents 65% of the current operations budget.
The State of Illinois has not made a payment to Connect Transit in Fiscal Year 2017. This equates to around five million dollars that the agency would have been able to put towards items such as fuel, salaries, healthcare, facilities management, and maintenance expenses.
Connect Transit Administration and Board of Trustees are diligently working to reserve existing funds by postponing several major projects such as taking delivery of new vehicles, the building of a new propane fueling station, and implementing infrastructure improvements.
The organization is also meeting with other Illinois transit agencies, as well as with the Illinois Public Transportation Association, to keep an open line of communication with the Illinois Department of Transportation to approach every angle of the situation and propose any plans of action that will result in solutions and a reinstatement of existing funding.
“Public transportation is vital to Bloomington-Normal. It brings our residents to healthcare, education, jobs, retail, and contributes to a vibrant and growing community. Connect Transit is committed to doing all that we can to change the course of the current funding crisis in Illinois”, said Andrew Johnson, Connect Transit general manager.
At this time, Connect Transit will continue to operate in accordance with their vision, “to be reliable and safe transportation connecting communities.” Connect Transit urges the community, their customers, local officials, and community partners to contact their State Legislators to voice their support and demonstrate the importance of public transportation in Bloomington Normal.
